Fungi are a keystone of forest ecosystems. Mushrooms, toadstools, and fruiting bodies are just a peek into the world of the main body of the fungus. Most fungi live beneath the surface of the forest floor, and they’re importance and role are often overlooked. Woodland plants are closely tied to and dependent on fungi for their health.
Most land plants have mycorrhizas – symbiotic, jointly beneficial bonds with fungi. Many plants would not survive without them. Fungi do not produce their own energy from the sun, most plants do. The plant thus becomes a crucial source of energy for the fungus. In turn, fungus delivers vital minerals to the plant. Mycorrhizas can accelerate plant growth, encourage fine root expansion, even extend the life of the roots. It’s a relationship that goes back hundreds of millions of years. In older woodland ecosystems, individual fungi can be incredibly vast. Some mycelia span over 100 square meters.
Mycorrhizas are essential for tree health. Foresters and farmers understand this and are becoming more aware of how important it is to look after mycorrhizas and the integrity of the soil. Injecting soil with fungi as at the time of planting is becoming common practice. The recovery of wild, native forest ecosystems wouldn’t be possible with these intricate relationships.
Read more about Mycorrhizas at https://treesforlife.org.uk/into-the-forest/habitats-and-ecology/ecology/mycorrhizas/