A giant underground fungal network

Scientists have for the first time mapped the network of symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi underground, revealing its enormous scale and issuing warnings about potential weakening.

According to National Geographic, much of a fungus's life takes place where humans can't see it. Underground, tiny fungal hyphae form subsurface networks, providing plants with the nutrients they need to grow. In research published this week in Science, a team of experts from the Society for the Protection of Subsurface Networks (SPUN) has for the first time mapped the subsurface networks of a type of fungus, the endosymbiotic mycobacterium, globally.

Global map of endosymbiotic mycobacteria networks. Photo: SPUN

Fungal networks have a symbiotic relationship with over 70% of plants, including crops like wheat, corn, and rice, helping to sustain life on the planet. These networks have formed over approximately 475 million years, providing nutrients and water to plants in exchange for carbon. By absorbing carbon into the soil, they also contribute to climate regulation.

Despite the importance of endosymbiotic fungal networks, scientists still know very little about their distribution and density in natural ecosystems. To find out, a team of experts from SPUN used machine learning models with data from more than 16,000 soil core samples worldwide. They discovered that the network has a total mass of up to 300 million tons, 4-6 times the mass of all of humanity. If spread out, the network would be approximately 110 quadrillion kilometers long, nearly 750 million times the distance from Earth to the Sun.

"Just a teaspoon of soil can contain up to 10 meters of symbiotic mycorrhizal fungal network," Dr. Justin Stewart, lead author of the study, told the Guardian.

You may also like

[Infographic] Dong Thap: Construction is underway on 5 social housing projects.(DTO) Currently, there are 12 social housing projects in the province with a total of 4,749 apartments.

The Culture and Social Affairs Committee of the Provincial People's Council reviewed the report and draft resolutions to be submitted to the mid-year session of 2026.(DONG THAP) On June 25th and 26th, the Culture and Social Affairs Committee of the Dong Thap Provincial People's Council conducted a review of the report on the socio-economic development situation in the first six months of 2026 in the field of culture and social affairs, as well as the contents to be presented at the mid-year regular session of the 11th Provincial People's Council. These are important contents aimed at completing the dossier before submitting it to the Provincial People's Council for consideration and decision at the upcoming session.

A landslide, approximately 50 meters long, occurred on the road in My Tho commune.(DTO) According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Thap province, on June 27, a landslide occurred on a road approximately 50 meters long in My Tho commune, Dong Thap province.

The research team warns that the consequences of a weakened endosymbiotic mycorrhizal fungal network could be significant. For example, the soil's ability to store carbon and distribute nutrients decreases, and water sources are altered because they are no longer protected from nitrogen, phosphorus, and other chemicals.

"The goal of the research is to help scientists and decision-makers understand where fungal networks are thriving or threatened," said Dr. Toby Kiers, co-author of the study, calling it one of the most exciting studies he has ever been involved in.

Grasslands have the densest networks of fungal hyphae. Areas such as the Everglades in Florida, the Sudd wetlands in South Sudan, and many savanna ecosystems globally have been found to have "exceptionally high" densities. However, research highlights that these areas are often poorly protected and are increasingly degraded.

The new research also points to potential threats. On average, the density of fungal networks in cultivated land is 47.3% lower than in wild ecosystems. Stewart explains: "Many large-scale agricultural practices harm fungal networks, the most obvious example being plowing. Fertilizers or fungicides can also disrupt the symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi."

According to biologist Dr. Merlin Sheldrake, co-author of the study, the new findings help to find ways for humans to better cooperate with fungi, helping to address many of today's challenges, from food security to climate change.

United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.

Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.

Vietnam and the United States strengthen cooperation in addressing the consequences of war.VTV.vn - On June 22, General Secretary and President To Lam received Acting Secretary of the US Navy Hung Cao.

( According to vnexpress.net )

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/mang-luoi-nam-khong-lo-duoi-long-dat-a242406.html