Soils act as vast reservoirs for the Earth's carbon, and even a minor alteration in the soil's carbon content can have a profound effect on the stability of our atmosphere. Scientists have recently recognized the substantial carbon storage capacity within soil fungal networks, particularly the mycorrhizal mycelial network. Up to 36% of annual global carbon emissions are stored within this network.

It’s easy to make a judgement on whether an agroecosystem is thriving based on what you can see above the ground. But the true measure of fertility comes from what’s happening below the surface.