Machine learning reveals the hidden world of underground fungal networks
Fungi Friday's - August 25th, 2023 - Issue #93
Fungi Friday fam,
We’re back again! It’s officially the final Friday of August, which means the next time we talk the year will be two-thirds behind us. Bet you had not thought about it like that. Not sure about where you all are from, but with the past few 100+ degree days here in the Midwest, I’m ready for some fall weather to roll around. Football, bonfires, leaves changing… It’s all right around the corner. Enough talk about what’s coming soon though, let’s get into the fresh fungi articles of today!
In today’s email:
Machine learning and underground fungal networks
Fungi and the global carbon cycle
Fungi and the benefits to your garden
Iowa Fungi’s Update of the Week
Here we go again… back down to the farm this upcoming weekend. Have a brand new humidifier with me, replacement pieces for the original one — we’re about to have it more humid than a Florida summer in that trailer. Planning to be down there Saturday and Sunday… need to get the panels reset (I still haven’t done that), get some shelving put together, and of course, start up batch number two. This will most likely be the final our last batch of the year, so hopefully we can finally get it right this time around, setting us up for 2024 and beyond.
Machine learning helps researchers identify underground fungal networks
Researchers are using machine learning to identify underground fungal networks. This is important because these networks play a vital role in the global carbon cycle and the health of ecosystems.
The researchers used satellite data to train machine learning algorithms to identify areas with high densities of fungal networks. They then used these algorithms to map the distribution of fungal networks around the world.
The maps could help to protect fungal networks and the ecosystems they support. They could also be used to develop new ways to use fungi for sustainable agriculture and other purposes.
The study's findings highlight the potential of machine learning to help us understand and protect the world's ecosystems.
Here are some specific ways that machine learning can be used to identify underground fungal networks:
Remote sensing: Satellite data can be used to identify changes in the soil that are caused by fungal networks.
LiDAR: LiDAR is a technology that uses lasers to create detailed maps of the ground. This data can be used to identify the presence of fungal networks.
Ground-based surveys: Researchers can collect samples of soil and fungus and analyze them in the lab.
The combination of these techniques can be used to create accurate maps of underground fungal networks. These maps can then be used to protect these networks and the ecosystems they support.
Psychedelic Spotlight
The Importance of Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Global Carbon Cycle
Mycorrhizal fungi are essential for the global carbon cycle. They form symbiotic relationships with plants, helping them to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. In return, the plants provide the fungi with sugars.
Mycorrhizal fungi help to store carbon in the soil. They do this by forming a network of hyphae (thread-like structures) that extend into the soil. These hyphae help to break down organic matter and release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. However, some of this carbon is stored in the soil, where it can remain for centuries.
A study by a team of scientists found that mycorrhizal fungi transport an estimated 13.2 gigatons of carbon dioxide underground annually. This carbon is stored in the soil for long periods, helping to reduce atmospheric carbon levels.
The study also found that the use of fertilizers can reduce the amount of carbon stored by mycorrhizal fungi. This is because fertilizers make plants less dependent on the fungi for nutrients, leading to the fungi dying off.
The study's findings highlight the importance of mycorrhizal fungi in the global carbon cycle and the need to protect these important organisms. They are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating climate change.
Here are some specific ways that mycorrhizal fungi can help store carbon in the soil:
They help to break down organic matter. When organic matter is broken down, carbon is released into the atmosphere. However, some of this carbon is stored in the soil, where it can remain for centuries.
They help to improve the water retention capacity of the soil. This is important because water is needed to break down organic matter.
They help to improve the aeration of the soil. This is important because oxygen is needed for the breakdown of organic matter.
By protecting mycorrhizal fungi, we can help to store carbon in the soil and mitigate climate change. We can do this by reducing our use of fertilizers, planting trees, and restoring degraded ecosystems.
More Mushroom Mentions
Startup Using Fungi To Make Plastic Packaging More Sustainable
MadeRight is harnessing fungi to create sustainable food packaging
Why foxes, fungi, wasps, and flies can be good for the garden
Foxes, fungi, wasps, and flies are often seen as pests in gardens, but they can be beneficial. Foxes can help to control populations of rodents and other pests, and their droppings can be a source of nutrients for plants. Fungi are essential for breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients in the soil. Wasps and flies are pollinators, and they help to ensure that plants reproduce.
Here are some specific ways that these organisms can benefit gardens:
Foxes: Foxes can help to control populations of rodents, such as mice and rats, which can damage plants and spread diseases. Their droppings can also be a source of nutrients for plants.
Fungi: Fungi are essential for breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients in the soil. They also help to improve the drainage and aeration of the soil.
Wasps: Wasps are pollinators, and they help to ensure that plants reproduce. They also help to control populations of insect pests.
Flies: Flies are also pollinators, and they help to spread pollen between plants. They also help to break down organic matter in the soil.
So next time you see a fox, fungus, wasp, or fly in your garden, don't be so quick to shoo it away. These organisms can be beneficial to your plants.
That’s all, folks… but before we let you go, leave a comment below on how we can make the publication even better! And if you haven’t yet, smash that SUBSCRIBE button below.
Thanks for reading as always,
BowTiedMushroom