Currently, carbon dioxide build-up in the atmosphere is leading to an increase in global temperatures. Surfaces that formerly reflected sunlight and warmth, such as the polar ice caps, are melting and absorbing more warmth. Capturing carbon from the atmosphere is a critical step in controlling climate change over time.
Symbiotic Relationships Between Plants and Fungi
Mycorrhizal fungi are fungi that naturally infect the roots of a plant. These fungi capture sugars from the plant and deliver nutrients and water back to the root of the plant. With some bioengineering, these fungi can also be used to pull carbon dioxide from the air and capture it, lowering the carbon dioxide build-up in the atmosphere. Farmers facing high fuel costs from carbon credits could lower their burden by increasing their use of mycorrhizal fungi.
It’s a Win-Win-Win for All Parties
Because mycorrhizal fungi boost the nutrients that plants get from the soil, it’s possible to grow more vigorous plants in poorer soil. Growing plants take in more carbon dioxide than established plants. Plants pulling carbon dioxide from the air generally draw it through their leaves. By introducing mycorrhizal fungi to more plants in the growth process, the power of photosynthesis could be increased and more carbon captured. A focus on new plants and mycorrhizal fungi could gain carbon credits for the ag industry in both the developed and the developing world.
The team at Groundwork BioAg offers a wide variety of options for using mycorrhizal fungi. Find out more on their website.
