The Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi

Plants utilize carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to grow and produce food. When plants die and decompose, most of this captured carbon is released back into the atmosphere. In contrast, mycorrhizal fungi retain a portion of this carbon to construct their own structures and enrich the soil with carbon-rich compounds. This process not only enhances soil fertility but also securely sequesters substantial amounts of carbon.

The global carbon storage capacity of mycorrhizal networks is staggering. Ecosystems that support these fungi can sequester around 350 billion tonnes of carbon, while ecosystems devoid of them only manage to store 29 billion tonnes.

However, we have largely neglected these remarkable organisms, contributing to their decline through practices like intensive farming, deforestation, and heavy chemical use. Projections indicate that by 2050, 90% of the Earth's soil may be degraded, rendering it unable to support mycorrhizal fungi.

The Consequences of Neglect

The absence of mycorrhizal fungi leads to nutrient-poor soil with minimal carbon retention, resulting in diminished crop yields and lower-quality produce. This cycle of intensive farming creates a lose-lose scenario: we obtain fewer and less nutritious food items while depriving the Earth of a critical carbon sink.

Fortunately, we can reverse this trend. By altering how we manage the approximately 500 million hectares of farmland globally, we can foster the growth of these essential organisms. Ceasing plowing, minimizing fungicide use, and avoiding over-farming can allow mycorrhizal fungi to thrive. This change not only promises to sequester significant amounts of carbon but also enriches the soil, leading to higher-quality crops and preserving soil health for future generations.

The Potential of Mycorrhizal Farming

Typically, I would discuss the potential carbon capture of such methods. Regrettably, we are still in the exploratory phase, and precise measurements of effectiveness remain uncertain. Scientists agree that changes will yield positive effects, though the extent is yet to be determined.

It is important to note that this is not a standalone solution. The global carbon storage capacity of mycorrhizal fungi is approximately 350 billion tonnes, equivalent to the carbon emissions we produce every 35 years. We lack exact figures on how much carbon mycorrhizal-enhanced agriculture can sequester. Even a 10% increase in carbon storage could offset three years' worth of human emissions, but achieving this level of fungal growth may take years.

A Multifaceted Approach to Climate Solutions

Combining mycorrhizal farming with other carbon capture strategies, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and developing an oil-free infrastructure could pave the way for a sustainable future. These unsung organisms may provide us with a critical advantage in our battle against climate change.

An innovative company named Loam is already harnessing this knowledge. They have developed a seed coating that promotes soil microbes, including mycorrhizal fungi, which enhances crop quality and transforms farms into significant carbon sinks. This approach allows farmers to benefit from better yields while potentially receiving compensation for carbon offsets, making mycorrhizal farming a viable and profitable method of addressing carbon emissions.

Can fungi truly combat climate change? While they may not be a definitive solution, they stand to make a significant impact in our efforts to tackle this pressing crisis, safeguard our farmland, and feed a growing population. Though not a panacea, they certainly hold the potential to improve our world.