New research shows that integrating mycorrhizal fungi cultivation with forestry could sequester up to 12.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide per hectare annually, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional protein production.
Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences highlights a significant breakthrough in carbon sequestration through the integration of ectomycorrhizal fungi cultivation – growing fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots -with forest raising.
This innovative approach, developed by scientists from the UK, has the potential to sequester up to 12.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide per hectare annually—an impressive contrast to the net carbon emissions associated with conventional protein-rich food production.
According to one of the researchers, Alastair Jump, “Pretty much all other crops that we grow will release carbon as they’re grown over their lifecycle. Even if you’ve got a plant that is sucking up carbon as it grows, the overall production system will release carbon.” In contrast, the cultivation of mycorrhizal fungi in association with trees presents a carbon-negative system, largely due to the significant amounts of carbon dioxide that trees absorb from the atmosphere.
The study also reveals that the production of mushroom protein could be significantly more efficient than beef production, as it requires just 668 square meters of land per kilogram compared to beef production, which typically ranges from 37 to 2,100 square meters per kilogram. However, to implement this promising technology at scale, researchers stress the necessity for easy-to-adopt techniques tailored for the forestry sector.
“Our goal is that we can go into an existing tree nursery and slot into their practices, and work out how we can get the mycorrhiza grown on the root system for pennies,” says Paul Thomas, another member of the research team. Achieving affordability and simplicity in applying this method could lead to substantial environmental benefits.
The current trials focus on tree species commonly used in UK forestry plantations. Researchers are also taking into account the anticipated rise in global temperatures over the coming decades to ensure the long-term viability of both tree and fungi species. Jump elaborated on this by stating, “We have a whole range of distribution maps that we’ve produced for decades going forward… that these are viable systems running forward through multiple forestry rotations.”
The team is now engaged in modelling efforts at the woodland stand level, which involves understanding the optimal spacing between trees to maximize the effectiveness of this innovative cultivation method. As the world seeks robust solutions to mitigate climate change, the research points towards a notable opportunity to produce sustainable protein while enhancing forest health and carbon sequestration.
