Fungi are amazing organisms that come in many different forms. From microscopic molds to mushrooms, they are a diverse group that inhabits most of the world. They can even create beneficial relationships with plants and help dispose of organic matter in their environment.
Fungal Diversity
Fungi have a huge diversity, with researchers believing there are anywhere between 1.5 to 5 million species on the planet. All of these different fungi fulfill different purposes and show incredible adaptability in different environments.
Significance of Fungi
Fungi have an important role to play in many ecosystems and help the current carbon cycle by making nitrogen more easily available to plants through their roots. This means that more carbon can be stored in the soil, which is essential to predicting climate change.
Fungi and Climate Change
Carbon storage is crucial to combat climate change, which is something that the ectomycorrhizal and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi specifically do much better than any other fungus. This type of fungi can store far more carbon than others.
A Collaborative Study
A collaborative study took a look at 200 soil profiles around the world. They noticed that soils that had the ecto and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi in them would keep almost 70% more carbon than other fungi. Colin Averill, the lead author of the study, emphasized that “the different types of symbiotic fungi that colonize plant roots exert a major control on the global carbon cycle.”
The Symbiotic Relationship
Plants create carbohydrates through photosynthesis which the fungi feed off of. In turn, the fungi will provide other essential nutrients like water and minerals. This symiotic relationship is a important step in combating climate change.
Forming Complex Roots
The fungi will form networks around a plant’s roots, protecting it and promoting faster growth. More carbon ends up being stored in the soil. Through this process, all the fungi and plants on Earth collectively can contain nearly 36% of annual fossil fuel emissions.
Fungi in Biotechnology
Fungi don’t just have their benefits in nature. They have amazing potential in biotechnology. The enzymes they produce can be extracted and used in food production and medicines, and the large quantities they can be grown in means it’s a sustainable practice.
Medicinal Properties of Fungi
The development of many antibiotics is all thanks to fungi. A great example of this is penicillin, which is made from the fungus of the same name. These advancements have saved countless lives.
The Future Of Climate Models
The research that Averill and others conducted shows that the way that these fungi can help with climate change could also help with predicting the future of the climate. The Averill noted, “We need to think of these systems holistically.” The aim would be to more accurately predict future carbon cycling.
More Research Is Needed
While Ectomycorrhizal and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi are crucial for carbon storage, they are less common than other fungus like arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which dominate about 85% of plant families. Future research should explore how changes in forest composition might influence these fungal relationships and their impact on the global carbon cycle.
The Key To Addressing Climate Change Challenges
By recognizing their role in carbon sequestration, we can better understand and address climate change challenges. Fungi may be humble organisms, but their influence on our planet’s health is profound and deserving of greater attention.
Prioritizing Research
To leverage the benefits of fungi, we must prioritize research and conservation efforts. Supporting sustainable agricultural practices and protecting natural habitats will ensure that these remarkable organisms continue to thrive and help mitigate climate change challenges.
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