Mycorrhizal fungi: the missing link in climate-smart restoration

Restoration success depends on trees and their mycorrhizal allies.

Key take-aways: 
-Fungi supercharge reforestation, boosting carbon and ecosystem health.
-Just planting trees isn’t enough, forests need underground fungal partners.

Planting trees is often seen as the main way to restore forests and store carbon, but trees can’t do it alone. They rely on underground fungal partners, called mycorrhizal fungi, which help them grow, absorb nutrients, and stay healthy.
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Forests store more carbon and stay healthier when their underground fungal partners are included in restoration. Mycorrhizal fungi boost tree growth, soil health, and biodiversity, making them essential for long-term climate and conservation goals. Successful reforestation needs both trees and fungi.

Including fungi in restoration projects can make forests stronger and more effective at capturing carbon. Different fungi support forests in different ways. Some boost tree growth, while others help soils hold onto carbon and support diverse ecosystems. By working with these “hidden allies,” restoration efforts can achieve more than just carbon storage. They can also improve soil health, biodiversity, and long-term forest resilience.

Article summary:
This article highlights the critical role of mycorrhizal fungi in forest restoration and climate mitigation. We argue that while reforestation projects often emphasize tree planting for carbon storage, they frequently overlook the underground fungal partners that enable trees to thrive.

Mycorrhizal fungi enhance carbon sequestration by improving tree growth, nutrient uptake, and soil stability, while also supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Different mycorrhizal types (arbuscular vs. ectomycorrhizal) influence forest functioning in distinct ways, and their inclusion in restoration planning can boost both carbon outcomes and broader ecosystem services.

We call for fungus-inclusive restoration strategies, integrating fungal diversity into reforestation, conservation, and climate policies. This approach not only strengthens carbon storage but also ensures restoration projects deliver multiple benefits, from soil health to ecosystem stability.

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