Fungi Fight Fires.

Foresters in the American West are using fungi to combat the risk of megafires caused by dense, volatile sections of forest. By thinning these areas and creating slash piles, foresters have inadvertently created fire hazards. Mycologists and environmental scientists are exploring the use of mushrooms to break down these piles and accelerate decomposition, potentially rebuilding deteriorated soils and reducing forest-maintenance costs. However, there are challenges in developing inoculation methods for Western landscapes, such as meeting the scale of the slashes and providing the right environment for fungi in arid forests. In another development, developers in the United States are using floating solar panels, known as "floatovoltaics," to generate renewable energy and prevent evaporation from canals and reservoirs. While this technology offers potential benefits, such as generating carbon-free power and not displacing farmland or sensitive ecosystems, there are concerns about cost, water quality, and fish habitat. Finally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has released a report detailing federal programs for agricultural risk management, providing guidance for farmers to mitigate risks associated with unpredictable factors such as weather conditions and disease. [Extracted from the article]