SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
BOTANY
Networks of underground fungi to be mapped
Vast networks of underground fungi â the âcirculatory system of the planetâ â are to be mapped for the first time. Fungi use carbon to build networks in the soil, which connect to plant roots and act as nutrient âhighwaysâ, exchanging carbon from plant roots for nutrients.
Trillions of kilometres of fungal networks are thought to exist around the world. They are vital to the biodiversity and fertility of soils, but little is known about them. Many are thought to be under threat from agriculture, urbanisation, pollution, water scarcity and changes to the climate.
The new project, from the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks, will involve the collection
