Global map reveals Earth's gigantic underground fungal networks could span a tenth of the Milky Way
A global study maps arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal networks using 16,669 soil cores and AI, revealing dense underground hyphal networks that connect most land plants and drive carbon and nutrient exchange. Wild grasslands host the densest networks, with topsoil containing a large share of global fungal biomass, and croplands showing about 50% lower density. If laid end-to-end, the hyphae would stretch about 68 quadrillion miles (110 quadrillion kilometers), roughly 10% of the Milky Way’s width, highlighting their key role in the carbon cycle and informing biodiversity, climate, and agricultural strategies.
