Scientists have mapped the Earth’s global underground fungal network, revealing a vast system of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi that spans over 110 quadrillion kilometers—a distance equivalent to roughly 12,000 light-years. According to a study published in the journal Science, this network regulates the planet’s climate by sequestering massive carbon reserves and supporting 70% of all land plant life.
Why does the fungal network matter for climate change?
The global fungal network acts as a hidden infrastructure for the planet, cycling water and nutrients to sustain terrestrial ecosystems. Research led by Toby Kiers, an evolutionary biologist at Vrije University Amsterdam and director of the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN), highlights that these fungi store significant amounts of carbon. By locking carbon within the soil, these microorganisms play a critical role in mitigating the effects of atmospheric warming. Without this underground architecture, the nutrient exchange necessary for plant survival would collapse, threatening the stability of global food chains and natural habitats.
How did researchers calculate the size of the network?
To quantify this massive biological structure, researchers synthesized data from more than 16,000 soil samples collected across various global regions. As reported by Futurism, the team utilized machine learning models to analyze 300 previous scientific papers that measured the local density of fungal filaments, known as hyphae. By aggregating this data, the team estimated that the total mass of the network is approximately 300 megatonnes—four to six times the biomass of the entire human population. This computational approach provided the first high-resolution map of the Earth’s “hidden half” that supports terrestrial life.
Approximately 40% of the world’s fungal biomass is concentrated in high-latitude grasslands and waterlogged wetlands, such as the Florida Everglades. These regions are currently among the most vulnerable to human-led land transformation.
What are the primary threats to fungal biodiversity?
Human activity, particularly the conversion of wild grasslands, poses an immediate risk to these underground networks. Justin Stewart, a researcher at SPUN, noted that grasslands are often destroyed more easily than forests, yet they represent critical reservoirs for fungal health. Because 70% of land plants depend on these fungi to thrive, the loss of soil integrity creates a cascading effect that degrades ecosystem health. Current models, while effective at mapping density, have yet to fully capture the “health status” of these networks or the specific rate at which they are disappearing due to industrial agriculture and land development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the total fungal network on Earth?
The network is estimated to span more than 110 quadrillion kilometers, which is nearly a billion times the distance between the Earth and the Sun.
Why are these fungi called “arbuscular mycorrhizal”?
These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, creating structures called arbuscules that facilitate the exchange of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen for plant-produced sugars.
Can we restore damaged fungal networks?
While the study highlights the importance of protecting existing networks, further research is required to determine effective remediation strategies for damaged soil biomes.
Support local biodiversity by minimizing the use of synthetic fungicides and fertilizers in your garden. Healthy soil requires a living, diverse community of microorganisms to remain productive over the long term.
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