Irati Forest ecosystem and mycelium functions

The Irati Forest, located in the Navarre valleys of Salazar and Aezkoa near the French border, is experiencing its autumn season characterized by beech and fir trees. The forest offers various hiking routes and access points through Ochagavía and Orbaizeta, with visitors often utilizing established trails to observe the local fauna and landscape.

Beneath the forest floor, a complex network of fungal filaments known as mycelium plays a critical role in nutrient cycling. These organisms use enzymes to decompose organic matter, including difficult substances like lignin found in fallen wood. This process prevents the accumulation of leaf litter and deadwood, ensuring that carbon and nutrients are released back into the ecosystem rather than remaining trapped in dead material.