Occurence
Fairy ring occurs in
soils that are high in organic material. They also appear in lawns that
have a thick thatch layer. Deep core aeration will help to alleviate
this problem by reducing the thatch layer within the lawn. If you are
putting in a new lawn, ensure you remove tree stumps, and discarded
building material from your site. The fungi can use these objects in
later years. Dead or dying tree roots are also a good source of food
for the fairy ring fungus.
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Development of a
Fairy Ring
Fairy rings begin from a
piece of mycelium feeding in the thatch layer or in the soil's organic
matter. Organic material, obstructions, soil type, and conditions of
the lawn all will influence how much growth will occur each year.
Generally speaking if 2 fairy rings grow into each other they create a
scalloped effect. This condition is thought to be due to certain
chemicals produced by each fairy ring to inhibit growth of other fungi.
The mycelium of the fairy ring creates a layer that is very difficult
for water to penetrate. As a result the soil under this layer becomes
very dry and is extremely difficult to water, killing the root system
of the lawn. Depending on environmental conditions, several years may
pass without the presence of the ring or mushrooms. Turf grass that is
under stress is more susceptible to fairy ring.
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