Restoration of Australia's native fungi: For improved commercial environmental forestry, farm revegetation and sustainability in the Australian wheatbelt region

Abstract

There is currently much effort being put into methods of harnessing Australia?s plant biodiversity for profitable farming systems with multiple environmental benefits. However, less attention has been given to significant components of natural ecosystems other than plants. One such component is Australia?s diverse and unique native fungi, and the range of largely ignored, out of sight, ecosystem functions provided by fungi. Though poorly recognised to date, management and restoration of Australia?s native fungi and other soil organisms in tandem with animals and plants are likely to be key parts of an overall strategy to achieve environmentally sustainable and economically profitable agricultural landscapes for the long term.