The Earth’s vast networks of underground fungi are to be mapped for the first time to learn more about their extraordinary ability to store carbon and to boost conservation efforts.
Jeremy Grantham, the British billionaire financier, is funding the project, which will involve thousands of samples of soil being gathered for DNA analysis by teams around the world.
The effort will focus on mycelium fungi, which consist of huge, sprawling networks of branching threads in the upper layers of the soil. Sometimes known as the “wood wide web”, these provide plants with crucial nutrients such as phosphates, receiving carbon in return.
“Just below our feet lies an invaluable ally in mitigating climate change — vast hidden fungal networks,” Grantham, who is donating about £2.6 million,
