Wageningen University Pioneers Carbon-Negative Protein with Mycoforestry
Wageningen, Tuesday, 17 December 2024.
Wageningen University advances sustainable agriculture by integrating forestry and mycology, creating carbon-negative proteins, highlighting the Netherlands’ leadership in environmental innovation.
Groundbreaking Mycoforestry Project in Scotland
The University of Stirling is leading an innovative project that combines tree cultivation with mushroom production to create a carbon-negative protein source [1]. Led by honorary professor Paul Thomas and dean of natural sciences Alistair Jump, the project received a substantial £554,000 ($706,000) grant from the UK’s innovation agency last year [1].
Environmental Impact and Efficiency
The project demonstrates remarkable environmental benefits, with ectomycorrhizal fungi capable of sequestering up to 12.8 metric tons of carbon per hectare annually [1]. In terms of land efficiency, the system produces one kilogram of mushroom protein per 668 square meters, significantly outperforming traditional beef production which requires between 37 to 2,100 square meters per kilogram [1].
Current Progress and Future Plans
As of November 2024, the trial has shown promising results with successful fungal colonization of sapling roots [1]. The project currently cultivates 14,200 seedlings, including 11,000 Scots pine along with Sitka spruce, silver birch, hazel, and English oak [1]. The next phase will see forester Matt Taylor planting 10,000 inoculated seedlings in Northumberland in February 2025 [1].
Long-term Sustainability
While mushroom production is expected to begin three years after planting, with peak production between eight and twelve years [1], experts emphasize the importance of using native fungal species. Professor Lynne Boddy of Cardiff University supports the initiative while stressing the necessity of maintaining local fungal provenance [1]. As Professor Jump notes, ‘Because the trees suck so much carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, it means that the system itself is carbon negative’ [1].