Project R-16068

Trait-Based Biogeography of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi: Mapping Functional Traits in a Changing World. (Research)

Ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, playing a vital role in soil carbon storage and nutrient cycling. Despite their ecological significance, the functional diversity of EcM fungal communities and their global patterns remain poorly understood, as traditional research has primarily focused on taxonomic classifications rather than functionally relevant traits. This project employs an innovative trait-based approach to examine the global distribution of three key EcM fungal functional traits: exploration type, nitrogen mining capacity, and melanin content. These traits drive fungal adaptation to environmental conditions and significantly influence carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. The research aims to 1) map the global distribution of EcM functional traits, 2) uncover the environmental drivers shaping these distributions, and 3) predict shifts under climate change and nitrogen deposition scenarios. By integrating global databases, targeted data collection, and advanced machine learning models, this study will generate highresolution trait distribution maps, identify key environmental dependencies, and forecast future changes in EcM functionality. The outcomes will advance ecological modelling, refine predictions of ecosystem responses to global change, and inform conservation strategies, addressing critical gaps in fungal functional ecology and ecosystem management.

01 October 2025 - 30 September 2026