The IoT and the IoN

It is easy to be a bit overwhelmed by what is being called the Internet of Things (IoT).  Computing power has enabled engineers to design virtually any type of equipment to include tiny computers that allow us to program the device but, also for the device to collect information about how we use it and to relay that information elsewhere.  That connectedness allows us to change the programming remotely such as from an application on our cell phone.  It is truly amazing once you get past the fear that your machines are watching you -- which they are in a way.

The natural world already does something similar to the IoT.  It happens to a large extent beneath the soil.  The mushrooms in the photo are a good example.  Beneath the soil is a network of something called mycelium, thin threads that are part of the mushrooms.  When you dig into soil in an area where there are mushrooms have you ever noticed white fibers (not roots of plants) running through it?  Those are the mycelia of mushrooms and they interact with the roots of plants such as trees and shrubs or forbs.  They share nutrients drawn from the soil and in the process, transport chemical signals between plants.

The fungi (mushrooms) draw carbohydrates from the roots of the plants to which they are connected and in exchange, transport key nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen from the soil to the plants.  It is something of a fair-exchange trading system -- an "underground economy" if you will.  Interestingly enough, in spite of this mutually beneficial relationship, when the fungi "attack" the plants roots it triggers an immune response, just like your own body would fight off a bacterial infection.  That response bolsters the plants ability to fight off other more nefarious enemies.

The connections, through the mycelium, between plants also allows the passage of chemical signals from one tree to another if, for instance, there is an infestation of insects attacking. The tree will release chemicals in response which are transported through the network of fungi to other trees and act as a "warning" that those particular insects are back and they should prepare to defend themselves.  Essentially, the "scout" discovers the enemies and sends a message back to its comrades that the enemy is coming.

This type of plant/fungi interaction creates interesting possibilities for agriculture.  Can you imagine tapping into that information network as a source of "intelligence" that is then communicated to robots that can respond to whatever situation is sending ripples through the network?  We could respond almost immediately to insect or bacterial infestations, nutrient shortages, etc. on a highly targeted basis -- to the specific plant in trouble.

Just imagine, an IoT connected to the IoN (Internet of Nature).