As a biologist and newly-appointed coordinator for the Tomifobia River Watershed, I am interested in the filtration and purification potential of mushrooms in agriculture practice. Whether it be Lake Massawippi or elsewhere in Quebec, we are facing many water quality challenges, such as cyanobacteria or fecal coliforms. These problems have opened our eyes and given rise to rethinking the importance of assuring the permanency of our water resources. While not often heard of, mushrooms could become an interesting option for water management.
The Super Powers of Mushrooms
Mushrooms have long been associated with strange spiritual rituals, witchcraft and even with the devil. Their poor reputation can be explained in part by the toxicity of some species, and unfortunate accidents have occurred. Happily, we are more often talking about their beneficial aspects these days, such as their fundamental role in diverse ecosystems and their importance for the growth of certain plants. I believe there is still more to the story. For example, the subterranean part of mushrooms, which is made up of a bundle of fine filaments called mycelium, has the capacity to decompose not only wood, but also oils, gas products, pesticides and other pollutants, and can also kill many bacteria and pathogenic organisms. These capacities offer an opportunity to decontaminate soils as well as to filter and purify water.
Mushrooms and Their Applications
The properties of mushroom mycelium mean it could be used in many ways in the management of water in agriculture practice. It would be interesting to put in place here in Quebec a project to evaluate its potential. In the United States similar studies have been performed with success. Here are a couple of examples that could be put into practice:
Riparian Zones: We have often spoken of the importance of riparian zones in limiting erosion and reducing the amount of nutrients in waterways. Adding mycelium to riparian soil would increase the soil’s capacity to filter water while also decontaminating it. Studies have shown that the efficiency of a riparian zone resides primarily in the quantity of mushrooms found in the soil, and planting vegetation helps create an environment friendly to their development.
Erosion Barriers: Large straw bales could help reduce the amount of sediment in runoff. It would be interesting to verify if the addition of mushrooms to the straw (mushrooms love wet straw) would add a water decontamination function to this practice.
Soil Decontamination: Research has already shown mushrooms are an effective soil decontaminate. We call this technique mycoremediation. The addition of mushrooms to a pesticide-contaminated soil could be an interesting option.
By being open to learning more about the fascinating world of mushrooms, and by putting aside our worries, we would open ourselves up to the extraordinary potential they offer for water management and for ecosystem rehabilitation. I am convinced that more and more people will become interested in their properties and we will soon see projects “growing like mushrooms!”
Tomifobia River Watershed Coordinator