'The Circulatory System of the Planet'

The vast majority of humans only notice fungi, when they see their fruiting bodies (mushrooms, toadstools and brackets). Most folk are supremely unaware of the existence of vast networks of fungi underneath their feet. The subterranean elements are tube-like mycorrhiza. These mycorrhizal complexes connect with plant roots, forming what has been termed, a 'wood-wide web'. The connections are used by some fungi to 'trade' essential nutrients (like phosphates) needed by plants for some of the latter's photosynthesized carbohydrates. This means that mycorrhizal networks help store carbon in the soil. A new project, termed the 'Society for the Protection of Underground Networks' (SPUN) is being set up (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/nov/30/worlds-vast-networks-of-underground-fungi-to-be-mapped-for-first-time). SPUN aims to map this 'circulatory system of the planet' for the very first time. The project will use artificial intelligence to identify mycorrhizal 'hotspots' around the world. Some 10,000 samples will be taken from these locations for later analysis. It is hoped that the information can be used to protect the mycorrhizal networks from damage. Major current threats appear to be intensive agriculture, urbanisation, pollution, water scarcity and climate change. It may also be possible to improve the ability of fungal networks to absorb and store carbon. This might actually help reduce levels of 'greenhouse gases' and limit climate change. Some fungi are even proving to have potentials for breaking down plastics and other contaminants. SPUN seems to be a very timely development!