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"Mycelium" cells recycle carbon, nitrogen, and other essential elements

Microscopic cells called "mycelium" -- the fruit of which are mushrooms -- recycle carbon, nitrogen, and other essential elements as they break down plant and animal debris in the creation of rich new soil. "We can capitalize on mycelium's digestive power and target it to decompose toxic wastes and pollutants (mycoremediation), catch and reduce silt from streambeds and pathogens from agricultural watersheds (mycofiltration), control insect populations (mycopesticides), and generally enhance the health of our forests and gardens (mycoforestry and mycogardening)."

Mycelium Running : How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World by Paul St...

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sentient Biped on January 19, 2013 at 5:02pm

Some of those nutrient deficiencies are kind of pretty! Although I imagine they won't help with fruit and vegetable production!

I think mycorrhiza have a big role in phosphate transport into plants, and that in general we've overfertilized with phosphates, causing depletion of those fungi.

You make a great point about soil building. I read that a good mycelial population holds soil in place, makes it drain better as well as hold moisture better, due to increased sponginess. A good cellulosic/lignin mulch - wood chips, chopped straw, chopped leaves - might promote mycelium. Also, somewhere I read the mycelial substances put a lot of carbon into the soil, so it's not in the atmosphere, which is a good thing too.

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on January 19, 2013 at 6:11pm

Since my daughter and her family lives in a forest near Newport, WA. we are sensitive to tree health. There has been some drying of the soil within the forest, weakening them and the beetles invade, further stressing their health. Huge patches of beetle infestations appear all around them. All the adult members of her family, she and her husband, two daughters and their partners, are volunteer members of the Pend Oreille Fire Dept and have special sensitivity to forest conditions.
I wonder, if the forest becomes too stressed if mushroom growth changes? I'll talk to them and see what they say.