This research examines how the commercially valuable mushroom Tricholoma matsutake influences other fungi in forest soils. The study found that T. matsutake creates a unique soil environment that reduces overall fungal diversity but maintains specific beneficial relationships with certain fungi. This research has several everyday implications: • Helps improve cultivation methods for valuable edible mushrooms • Provides insights into sustainable forest management practices • Advances understanding of how fungi interact in natural ecosystems • Contributes to conservation of economically important mushroom species • Informs soil health management in forestry and agriculture