Six Ways to Save the Planet with Mushrooms
Fungi, Plant Systems, Rehabilitation, Soil Biology, Soil Composition, Soil Conservation, Soil Erosion & Contamination, Structure — by Craig Mackintosh PRI Editor July 28, 2009
No, we’re not talking about your average portobello mushroom here, found on pizzas the world over. The topic of this discussion is:
mycelium noun the white threadlike mass of filaments forming the vegetative part of a fungus
Whilst sounding tiny in both size and significance, it is not:
Is this the largest organism in the world? This 2,400-acre (9.7 km2) site in eastern Oregon had a contiguous growth of mycelium before logging roads cut through it. Estimated at 1,665 football fields in size and 2,200 years old, this one fungus has killed the forest above it several times over, and in so doing has built deeper soil layers that allow the growth of ever-larger stands of trees. Mushroom-forming forest fungi are unique in that their mycelial mats can achieve such massive proportions. – Paul Stamets, Mycelium Running
Watch the clip to learn more about these fascinating fungi – organisms totally ignored by industrial agriculture, but which are incredible allies as we seek to decontaminate and restore soils and other habitat.
Duration: 00:18:18
Comments (9)
Excellent post! Paul Stamets is a true ally. His innovation, insight and creativity are helping heal people and planet. I highly recommend his latest book ‘Mycelium Running’. Check out his insights into permaculture at: http://fungi.com/mycotech/permaculture.html
Comment by Jesse Bossert — July 29, 2009 @ 10:42 am
Fascinating talk.
Is there anyone in Australia offering similar products to those offered by Fungi Perfecti in the US??
Comment by Michelle — July 29, 2009 @ 2:26 pm
Hi Craig, good to see Paul getting some face time on this site, you might want to consider adding Michael Pollan’s good talk at TED a couple of years back. He gave a great example of Polyface Farm, a broadacre farm in Virginia. Go to TED.com and type in Pollan in the search bar.
cheers
Pete
Comment by Peter Willis — July 29, 2009 @ 6:47 pm
http://www.funkyfungus.com … based in Northern NSW
Comment by yi yiyi — July 29, 2009 @ 8:51 pm
Wow! I love how we keep finding out that the ‘poor relations’ are actually the mothers and saviours of us all. Fantastic
Comment by Carole Castles — July 30, 2009 @ 7:41 pm
Very interesting, but..
It stopped halfway through at exactly 9 minutes and 9 seconds.
Comment by Edward King — August 3, 2009 @ 4:16 am
Hi Edward – it works fine for me. I’d suggest trying again.
Comment by Craig Mackintosh — August 3, 2009 @ 11:23 am
that paul, he’s a fun guy
Comment by buff orpington — August 3, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
Integrating with Fungi: http://withpermaculture.org/integrating-fungi
Comment by Øyvind Holmstad — September 29, 2010 @ 11:57 pm
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