Net transfer of carbon between ectomycorrhizal tree species in the field
Carbon-14 tracer moved from Douglas fir to birch trees up to 30 meters away through ectomycorrhizal networks
This landmark study revolutionized understanding of forest ecology by demonstrating that trees share resources through underground fungal networks. Simard's radioactive carbon tracer experiments proved that carbon moves between different tree species (Douglas fir to birch and back) through mycorrhizal connections - revealing forests as cooperative networks rather than collections of competing individuals.
The research established the concept of 'mother trees' (large, old trees with extensive fungal connections) that support seedlings by sharing carbon through networks. This principle directly translates to organizational networks: shared infrastructure enables resource redistribution that benefits the entire ecosystem, not just individual participants.
Key Findings from Simard et al. (1997)
- Carbon-14 tracer moved from Douglas fir to birch trees up to 30 meters away through ectomycorrhizal networks
- Net carbon transfer occurred bidirectionally between tree species based on light conditions
- Shaded trees received more carbon from sunlit neighbors than they provided
- Fungal networks create forest-wide resource redistribution system
- Trees transfer carbon between species through mycorrhizal networks
- Paper birch transferred carbon to Douglas-fir in shaded conditions
- Forest trees function as networked systems, not isolated individuals
- Mycorrhizal networks create ecosystem-level resource redistribution
- Carbon-14 injected into Douglas fir detected in paper birch within 2-3 days
- Bidirectional transfer confirmed - carbon flows both directions between species
- Severing fungal connections (trenching) reduced nutrient sharing by 80%+
- Fungi mediate transfer and extract 10-30% of transferred carbon as 'broker fee'
- Carbon transfers between tree species through mycorrhizal networks
- Trees compete above ground but cooperate below ground
- Single fungal network can connect 10-40 trees
- Seedlings can receive subsidies from mature trees
Used in 4 chapters
See how this research informs the book's frameworks:
Landmark study proving carbon moves between tree species through fungal networks, establishing concept of 'mother trees' supporting seedlings.
See mycorrhizal cooperation →Groundbreaking demonstration that forests operate as nutrient-sharing networks where resources flow from surplus to deficit.
See nutrient cycling networks →Used radioactive tracers to prove Douglas fir and birch transfer nutrients with fungi extracting 10-30% broker fees - platform economics in nature.
See nutrient network architecture →Revealed forest root systems are collective, not individual - seedlings receive carbohydrates from adults through the fungal network.
See root system cooperation →