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Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Mystical and often hidden, fungi have captured the human imagination for millennia. Beyond their cultural significances as food, medicine, and sometimes, hallucinogens, fungi play a pivotal role in the health and functionality of ecosystems worldwide. Fungi are not plants, animals, or bacteria, but form their own unique kingdom, one that's intricately interwoven with life on Earth.
So, why are fungi fundamental, and how do they influence the ecosystems they inhabit?
About This Page
About This Page
On this page, we'll journey into the captivating realm of fungi, from their role in decomposition and nutrient cycling to their fascinating symbiotic relationships and the conservation challenges they face. Discover the profound and often hidden impacts of these incredible organisms on our planet's health and equilibrium.
Benefits of Fungi
Benefits of Fungi
Carbon Storage
Carbon Storage
According to a new study "an estimated 13.12 gigatons of CO2 is transferred from plants to the fungi annually, transforming the soil beneath our feet to a massive carbon pool and the most effective carbon capture storage unit in the world."
Environmental Health
Environmental Health
Symbiotic Relationships
Symbiotic Relationships
Beyond decomposition, fungi form mycorrhizal associations with approximately 90% of plant species. These symbiotic relationships, where fungi provide water and nutrients to plants in exchange for sugars, underpin the health of forests and grasslands. They also create vast underground networks, often referred to as the "Wood Wide Web," connecting multiple plants and facilitating communication and nutrient transfer.
Soil Stability, Carbon Storage & Habitat Enrichment
Soil Stability, Carbon Storage & Habitat Enrichment
Fungi also play roles in soil stabilization, carbon storage, and as food and habitat for various species. Their vast diversity, with millions of species—many yet to be discovered—ensures their role in almost every ecological niche.
Decomposition & Nutrient Cycling
Decomposition & Nutrient Cycling
At the heart of their ecological contribution is decomposition. Fungi are among Earth's most efficient recyclers. They break down organic matter, transforming dead plants, animals, and other organisms into rich, fertile soil. Without fungi, our world would be buried under layers of undecomposed debris. By returning essential nutrients to the soil, they support the growth of plants, thereby anchoring terrestrial food chains.
Types of Fungi
Types of Fungi
Mycorrhizal Fungi
Mycorrhizal Fungi
"Mycorrhizas are beneficial fungi growing in association with plant roots, and exist by taking sugars from plants 'in exchange' for moisture and nutrients gathered from the soil by the fungal strands. The mycorrhizas greatly increase the absorptive area of a plant, acting as extensions to the root system." - Royal Horticultural Society: Mycorrhizal Fungi
Parasitic Fungi
Parasitic Fungi
"Parasitic and pathogenic fungi form symbiotic relationships with other living organisms, similarly to mycorrhizal fungi; however, they benefit to the detriment (and sometimes death) of their host. Many species affect trees and other plants. Others attack mushrooms, sometimes rendering the host species unrecognizable." - National Park Service: Parasitic and Pathogenic Fungi
Saprophytic Fungi
Saprophytic Fungi
"Saprophytic fungi are the largest group of (macro) fungi, responsible for breaking down and recycling dead plant and animal material. These are the fruit-bodies you see on dead trees, leaf litter, animal bones, even faeces.
Saprophytic fungi release enzymes to break down and digest the lignin, cellulose or chitin in this material into simple soluble compounds that can be absorbed by them, and by plants, as nutrients. In so doing, they play a vital role in reducing the accumulation of dead organic material and in recycling essential nutrients, particularly carbon and nitrogen.
Without these digestive activities, forests would disappear under a mountain of logs and leaves!" - Fungimap: Saprophytic Fungi
Resources
Resources
Studies
Studies
Fungi Stores a Third of Carbon from Fossil Fuel Emissions and Could be Essential to Reaching Net Zero, New Study Reveals "Researchers are now calling for fungi to be considered more heavily in conservation and biodiversity policies, and are investigating whether we can increase how much carbon the soil underneath us can hold"
Suggested Reading
Suggested Reading
Organizations
Organizations
International
International
International Society for Fungal Conservation (ISFC) [English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish]
International Union of Microbiological Societies, Mycology Division
Africa
Africa
South Africa
South Africa
Canary Islands
Canary Islands
Sociedad Micológica de Gran Canaria [Mycological Society of Gran Canaria, Spanish]
Asia
Asia
Japan
Japan
South Korea
South Korea
The Korean Society of Mycology (KSM) "is a nonprofit incorporated association (No 203-82-33178) open to all who are interested in promoting and learning about the fungal world. The KSM was founded in December 16, 1972 to promote the scientific study of fungi and to contribute to develop mycological field in Korea.
KSM aims to encourage studies on the mycology and share the research information. KSM wants members to promote mycological science, share the scientific ideas and learn from each other.
If you are working with fungi or if you wish to learn about fungal world, the KSM can help further your knowledge or career. KSM has more than 500 members from around the world. We invite you to be a part of this exciting and unique community of mycologist."
Taiwan
Taiwan
Mycological Society of the Republic of China
Europe
Europe
Confédéderation Européenne de Mycologie Méditerranéenne (Latin, Catalan, English, French, Italian, Spanish)
Journées Européennes du cortinaire (English, French, German, Italian)
Belgium
Belgium
Hungary
Hungary
Szegedi Gombász Egyesület or you can see the site in English.
Italy
Italy
Latvia
Latvia
Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuanian Mycological Society (Facebook)
Malta
Malta
Malta Mycological Society "Dedicated to research on fungi that grow on the Maltese Islands. The aim is to learn, educate, enjoy our environment and work as a team. May there be many future mycologists be it amateur or professional! Respect mother nature!"
Netherlands
Netherlands
Dutch Bryological and Lichenological Society (Dutch/English)
Nderlandse Mycologische Vereniging (Dutch, English)
Serbia
Serbia
Spain
Spain
Asociaciò Micològica Font i Quer (Catalan)
Asociación Española de Micología (Spanish)
Asociación Micológica de Sobrarbe (Spanish)
Asociación Micolóxica Viriato (Galician)
Asociación Micológica Zamorana (Spanish)
Associació Micològica Joaquim Codina (Catalan, Spanish)
Barakaldo Mikologi Elkartca (Basque, Spanish)
Sociedad Ibérica de Micología (Spanish, Portuguese, English)
Sociedad Micológica de Gran Canaria (Spanish)
Sociedad Micológica de Madrid (Spanish)
Societat Catalana de Micologia (Catalan, English, French, Spanish)
Sweden
Sweden
Switzerland
Switzerland
Mykologische Gesellschaft Luzern (German, English, French)
Pilzverein Escholzmatt-Marbach (German)
Pilzverein Grauholz (German)
Pilzverein Region Entlebuch (German)
Verband Schweizerischer Vereine für Pilzkunde (German/French/Italian)
Verein für Pilzkunde Biberist (German)
Verein für Pilzkunde Brittnau (German)
Verein für Pilzkunde Thurgau (German)
UK
UK
England
Shropshire Fungus Group "We passionately find, identify, and record as many species of fungi as we can in our beautiful county."
Fungi To Be With " is dedicated to connecting the Greater London public to the natural environment through the magical world of fungi. The fungi world is more diverse than you can possible imagine and, once your eyes are tuned to your the natural surroundings, be ready to be amazed at the various fungi forms, colors, shapes and sizes you encounter."
Scotland
Northern Ireland
North America
North America
American Society for Microbiology, Division F, Medical Mycology
The North American Mycological Association (NAMA) "is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. NAMA is committed to the promotion of scientific and educational activities related to fungi. NAMA supports the protection of natural areas and their biological integrity. We advocate the sustainable use of mushrooms as a resource and endorse responsible mushroom collecting that does not harm the fungi or their habitats."
Mexico
Mexico
Sociedad Méxicana de Micología (Facebook)
USA
USA
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Boston Mycological Club " is a community of mushroom enthusiasts dedicated to the study and enjoyment of fungi. We organize various activities and events related to mycology, and we welcome all who are interested."
New York
Oregon
Cascade Mycological Society "We are an educational non-profit located in the Eugene/ Springfield area of Oregon dedicated to the study and enjoyment of fungi. All CMS meetings are open to the public. We welcome and value all individuals regardless of their race, nationality, place of origin, ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, economic class, age, or mental or physical abilities. We believe that diversity strengthens our organization by bringing forth many unique perspectives and talents and enriches the experiences of all those who interact with us. "
Idaho
Illinois
Kansas
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Northeast Mycological Federation "NEMF’s main activity is its annual foray. On a rotating basis member clubs or groups of clubs host three days of fungus collection and identification, lectures and workshops. Topics often include fungus identification, mycophagy, medicinal uses, textile dyeing, papermaking and photography."
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Northeast Mycological Federation "NEMF’s main activity is its annual foray. On a rotating basis member clubs or groups of clubs host three days of fungus collection and identification, lectures and workshops. Topics often include fungus identification, mycophagy, medicinal uses, textile dyeing, papermaking and photography."
Texas
Utah
Washington
Washington, DC
Wisconsin
Oceana
Oceana
Australia
Australia
New Zealand
New Zealand
South America
South America
Argentina
Argentina
Chile
Chile
Grants & Funding
Grants & Funding
Europe
Europe
UK
UK
National award schemes There are a number of key organisations offering grants and advice to community based projects e.g.
Big Lottery Fund "Groups can apply to us for funding under £20,000, or over £20,001, depending on what they want to do."
Heritage Fund "We fund projects of all sizes that connect people and communities to the UK’s heritage."
Grow Wild UK "Bringing people together to value and enjoy wildflowers and fungi"
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