Contribution of fungal biomass to persistent soil carbon across natural ecosystems

Fungi are known to be crucial in the formation and stabilization of soil organic matter through their exudates and dead residues (necromass). Yet, it remains unclear how fungi contribute to the persistence of carbon in soils over millennial scales across biomes. Here, this study fills the knowledge gap by linking fungal carbon stocks with minerals-associated carbon stocks across major biomes. A strong correlation between fungal biomass and reactive mineral-associated carbon stocks in soils across six biomes supports the substantial role of fungi in soil carbon persistence at the global level. High spatial resolution nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry revealed that fungi may stabilize carbon by forming organo-mineral associations through their close physical connection to reactive minerals and weathered nanoparticles. We propose a conceptual model that emphasizes the dualistic role of hypha-mineral interactions: (i) fungi accelerate organic matter decomposition by producing reactive oxygen species on the hypha-mineral interfaces, and (ii) fungi stabilize their residues on mineral surfaces, leading to millennial scale persistence of soil C. Concluding, fungi play a fundamental role in ecosystems that extends beyond the decomposition of persistent carbon. They are crucial in stabilizing carbon on mineral surfaces, thereby facilitating the long-term removal of carbon from rapid biotic cycling. © Science China Press 2025.