Growing edible mushrooms in association with trees can offer an innovative solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, storing carbon in the soil and feeding millions of people. Find out how this agroforestry method can help create a more sustainable and resilient food system.
What are the benefits of growing mushrooms and trees?
Growing mushrooms and trees has many benefits for the environment and food safety. According to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciencesthis method can make it possible to:
Sequester carbon in the soil
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while fungi store it in the ground. According to research by Paul Thomas, honorary professor at the College of Natural Sciences of theuniversity of stirlingcultivation of edible ectomycorrhizal fungi in forests can accumulate nearly 12.8 tons of carbon per hectare in an an.
Improve soil quality
Fungi help trees absorb nutrients from the soil, which promotes soil fertility and biodiversity. Cultivating mushrooms can also reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and prevent soil erosion.
Provide a nutritious food source
Mushrooms are rich in protein, potassium, selenium and vitamin D. They can replace other sources of animal protein, such as meat, which have a higher carbon footprint. According to Professor Thomas, fungi that grow in contact with trees might feed regarding 19 million people every year.
How to implement this agroforestry method?
Mushroom and tree cultivation relies on a symbiotic relationship between certain types of fungi, called mycorrhizal fungi, and tree roots. This relationship allows both organizations to provide benefits to each other.
To implement this agroforestry method, it is necessary to choose compatible species of trees and fungi. For example, the boletus (Edible mushrooms) can develop with the Oak (Quercus spp.), the beech (Fagus spp.) where the pin (Pinus spp.). Care should also be taken to maintain the optimum conditions of temperature, moisture and pH of the soil to promote fungal growth.
Mushroom and tree cultivation can be practiced on land already planted for agroforestry or on degraded land that can be restored. This method can help reduce pressure on natural forestswhich are often deforested to make way for intensive agriculture.
What are the challenges and prospects of this agroforestry method?
The cultivation of mushrooms and trees is still a relatively new concept which requires more research and development. Among the challenges to be addressed are:
- Mastery of cultivation techniques: one must know the specific needs of the different species of mushrooms and trees, as well as the methods of harvesting and preserving mushrooms.
- Economic profitability: the cost of setting up and maintaining this agroforestry method must be assessed, as well as the potential income generated by the sale of mushrooms and trees.
- Social acceptability: farmers and consumers need to be made aware of the benefits of this agroforestry method, as well as the taste and nutritional qualities of edible mushrooms.
Despite these challenges, the cultivation of mushrooms and trees offers promising prospects for fighting climate change and hunger in the world. By creating a more sustainable and resilient food system, this method of agroforestry can help improve the health of ecosystems and people.
