Laura Smith
The formation of mushroom circles, also known as fairy rings, has fascinated people worldwide and has been the subject of various folklore and superstitions. These rings are caused by an individual fungus growing underground and spreading outwards in search of food, resulting in a wider circle over time. The mushrooms that sprout in a circle are just the reproductive parts, like the fruit of plants, and they are all connected to the same underlying organism. While fairy rings are not harmful, they can be unwanted in lawns and gardens due to their unsightly appearance. Understanding the factors contributing to the formation of mushroom circles, such as soil composition, nutrition, and underground obstructions, can aid in preventing their growth in unwanted areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Fairy rings |
| Other names | Elf rings, pixie rings, witches' rings |
| Number of species that grow in this pattern | About 60 |
| Most well-known species | Scotch bonnet (Marasmius oreades) or fairy ring mushroom |
| Largest ring | Near Belfort in northeastern France, formed by Infundibulicybe geotropa, about 300 metres (980 ft) in diameter and over 700 years old |
| Cause | Individual fungus growing underground |
| Factors | Soil composition, nutrition, presence of obstructions beneath the ground |
| Grass growth | Lush or dead depending on the type of mushroom |
| Grass growth in relation to mycelium | If the grass is growing well, the mycelium is breaking down organic matter in the soil and releasing nitrogen. If the grass is dead, it means that the place where the fairy ring is found is now devoid of nutrients, making it hard for the grass and other nearby plants to survive and grow. |
| Types of fairy rings | Free and tethered rings. Free rings refer to mushrooms that grow free from any connection to an organism. Tethered rings are formed by mycorrhizal fungi living in symbiosis with trees. |
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What You'll Learn
The role of mycelium
Mushroom circles, also known as fairy rings, are fascinating natural phenomena that have captured the imagination of people for centuries. But what causes these mysterious circles to form? The answer lies underground with a remarkable fungal network called mycelium.
Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine, thread-like filaments called hyphae. This intricate network acts as the fungus's digestive and absorptive system, allowing it to break down and absorb nutrients from its surrounding environment. When a fungus produces a mushroom, it is only a small, reproductive part of the larger, long-lived mycelium network beneath the surface. These hyphae can grow and spread over large areas, connecting multiple food sources and forming extensive underground networks.
The mycelium plays a crucial role in the formation of mushroom circles. As the mycelium grows and expands, it forms a ring-like structure underground, known as a mycelium ring. This ring can grow outwards as the hyphae search for new sources of food, usually in the form of decaying organic matter. As the mycelium ring expands, it depletes the nutrients in the soil within the circle, creating a barren area that often appears as a dark green or brown ring of grass. This is because the mycelium has used up all the available nutrients in that area, leaving the grass with reduced access to food.
Additionally, the mycelium can also benefit the surrounding vegetation. As the hyphae grow, they form mutualistic relationships with plant roots in a process called mycorrhization. The mycelium helps plants absorb water and nutrients more efficiently, particularly phosphorus, which is essential for plant growth. In exchange, the plants provide the fungus with carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis. This symbiotic relationship improves the health of the plants and can even enhance their resistance to diseases and pests.
The mycelium's ability to form these mutualistic relationships with plants also contributes to the formation of mushroom circles. As the mycelium expands and connects with more plant roots, it can influence the growth and distribution of vegetation above ground. This can result in the characteristic ring of lush, vibrant grass often observed outside the barren area of a mushroom circle.
In summary, the mycelium plays a fundamental role in the formation of mushroom circles through its expansive growth, nutrient absorption, and mutualistic relationships with plant roots. Its ability to create vast underground networks and influence the health and distribution of vegetation contributes to the mysterious and enchanting nature of fairy rings. Understanding the role of mycelium enhances our appreciation of the complex and fascinating world of fungi and their interactions with the ecosystem.
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Soil composition and nutrition
The fungi responsible for mushroom circles are typically saprotrophic, meaning they obtain their nutrients from decomposing organic matter. These fungi thrive in soils rich in organic material, particularly those with a high concentration of cellulose, lignin, and other complex carbohydrates derived from plants. Dead wood, fallen leaves, grass roots, and other decaying vegetation provide an ideal food source for these fungi, allowing them to flourish and create the distinctive mushroom circles.
The presence of these fungi and the formation of mushroom circles can have significant effects on soil composition and nutrient cycling. As the fungi decompose organic matter, they break down complex organic compounds into simpler forms, enriching the soil with essential nutrients and enhancing its fertility. This process promotes the growth of surrounding plants, fostering a vibrant ecosystem within the mushroom circle.
Additionally, the fungi's mycelial networks contribute to the structural development of the soil. These networks help bind soil particles together, improving soil aggregation and increasing its ability to retain water. As a result, soil stability is enhanced, creating a more conducive environment for plant growth and nutrient absorption. The fungi's role in soil structure is essential for maintaining the health and resilience of the ecosystem.
The nutrients released during the decomposition process have implications for soil nutrition as well. The fungi release enzymes that break down complex organic compounds, increasing the availability of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This enhanced nutrient availability often results in improved vegetation growth within the mushroom circle, leading to the vibrant, lush rings of grass or other plants that are commonly observed.
Understanding the relationship between soil composition, nutrition, and the growth of fungi responsible for mushroom circles provides insights into the intricate balance of nature. It highlights the complex interactions between organisms and their environment, showcasing the delicate interplay that shapes ecosystems. By studying these phenomena, we can appreciate the dynamic processes that contribute to soil health, nutrient cycling, and the unique ecological roles played by fungi in our environment.
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Grass growth
A circle of mushrooms, commonly known as a fairy ring, is caused by certain fungi that feed on decaying organic matter. The grass within fairy rings can be denser, greener, and faster-growing, or it can be browner and drier than the surrounding grass. The type of grass growth depends on the type of fungus involved. For example, the fungus Calvatia cyathiformis causes grass to grow more abundantly, whereas Leucopaxillus giganteus causes the grass to wither.
Type 1 fairy rings are most commonly found on golf course putting greens, and less commonly on home lawns. The fungi involved produce compounds that reduce the amount of water that the soil can absorb, leading to drought conditions that cause the grass in the ring to brown and die. Type 1 fairy rings produce dead grass in arcs, rings, or patches, and they thrive in hot, dry weather.
Type 2 fairy rings are characterized by lush, green grass due to the efficient decomposition of organic matter, which releases nitrogen that promotes growth. To manage Type 2 fairy rings, it is recommended to apply a nitrogen fertilizer to the lawn to match the colour of the greener grass within the fairy ring.
Type 3 fairy rings feature mushroom rings that emerge during wet periods, particularly in the fall. These rings are primarily cosmetic problems and are often addressed by hand-removing the mushrooms, as they may be poisonous.
To prevent fairy rings from forming, it is important to keep the soil healthy by conducting regular soil tests to balance nutrients and pH levels, creating less favourable conditions for fungi. Proper mowing practices, such as maintaining optimal grass height, can also help promote strong growth and improve the lawn's ability to withstand and recover from fungal invasions.
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Fairy rings in folklore
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings, or pixie rings, are the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. They are often regarded as hazardous or dangerous places linked with witches or the Devil, but they can also be seen as a sign of good fortune.
In English, Scandinavian, and Celtic folklore, fairy rings were caused by fairies, elves, or other magical beings dancing in a circle. This belief is also found in Russia and Switzerland. According to these folk traditions, if a human interrupted the dance, they would be forced to dance until they died of exhaustion or were transported to the fairy realm. In German folklore, fairy rings were known as "witches' rings" and were believed to be places where witches danced on Walpurgis Night, a spring celebration. Dutch legends say that the Devil placed his milk churn in the centre of the ring, causing the grass to wither, and that any livestock that entered the circle would have their milk soured. French folklore holds that fairy rings are guarded by giant toads that curse anyone who enters. In Tyrol and Austrian folklore, fairy rings are attributed to the fiery tails of flying dragons, and nothing but toadstools can grow there for seven years.
In Britain and Wales, people were wary of stepping inside fairy rings, believing that the fairies would cause them to dance to death. Welsh folklore also considers the rings as locations of fertility and fortune, and claims that crops grown around them and livestock feeding nearby will flourish. In Scotland, it was believed that fairies sat on the mushrooms and used them as tables for their feasts, while in Wales, it was said that the fairies used the mushrooms as parasols and umbrellas.
Fairy rings have been a source of curiosity and fear for thousands of years, with many cultures believing them to be mystical, supernatural places. They are often associated with magic and otherworldly phenomena, regarded with a mixture of awe and fear.
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Preventing fairy rings
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, or pixie rings, are naturally occurring phenomena that manifest as rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are mainly found in forested areas but can also appear in grasslands or rangelands. While these rings may capture our curiosity and imagination, they can cause serious damage to lawns and turfgrasses.
Preventative Measures
- Keep your lawn well-aerated: Aeration helps water penetrate the soil and reduces soil compaction. Use a garden fork, aeration sandals, or a rolling aerator to spike your lawn regularly. Additionally, consider using a hollow-tine aerator to remove cores of turf every 2-3 years, improving drainage and reducing soil compaction.
- Reduce thatch buildup: Thatch is a loose layer of decaying and living plant matter in the soil that provides a feeding ground for fairy ring fungi. Power raking or vertical mowing can help minimize thatch buildup. Combining aeration and dethatching efforts can effectively break apart the organic matter that the fungi feed on.
- Remove woody debris: Before planting turf, remove large pieces of woody material such as stumps, waste lumber, and dead tree roots. This prevents the establishment of fairy ring fungi, which thrive in areas with decaying organic matter.
- Maintain balanced soil fertility: Avoid extremes in soil moisture, and follow local recommendations for nitrogen application. Ensure your lawn receives adequate fertilization to promote healthy grass growth and reduce the visual impact of fairy rings.
- Topdress with sand: In lawns with high levels of organic matter in the soil, apply a fine topdressing of high-quality sand. Sand dilutes the organic matter that fairy rings feed on and provides a substrate for healthy turfgrass growth. However, use caution when topdressing clay soils, as sand and clay can form dense and hard soil.
- Regular lawn care: Maintain a consistent lawn care routine, including mowing and fertilisation. This can help disguise fairy ring symptoms and make them less noticeable.
Management Strategies for Existing Fairy Rings
- Type 1 Fairy Rings: Re-wet the water-repellent thatch and soil beneath the affected turf using techniques like hollow-tine aerification, spiking, water-injection, and application of soil surfactants. Hand-water the affected areas to prevent over-watering the surrounding turf.
- Type 2 Fairy Rings: Apply nitrogen or iron to mask the symptoms. This will cause the surrounding turf to green up, making the affected area less evident. Additionally, consider applying fertilizer to unaffected areas to stimulate turf growth and further disguise the fairy ring.
- Fungicides: While curative applications of fungicides may not be effective, preventative programs can be beneficial. Begin in the spring when mean daily soil temperatures are consistently above 55°F (approximately 13°C). Tank-mixing fungicides with soil penetrants can enhance movement into the soil and improve fairy ring control.
Please note that while these strategies can help prevent and manage fairy rings, it is challenging to completely eradicate them due to the ever-present nature of fungi in lawns.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom circles, also known as fairy rings, are caused by an individual fungus growing underground. The fungus sprouts lots of small threads, called mycelium, in a circular shape. A year later, the mushrooms pop up out of the ground at the edge of the circle, creating the fairy ring.
The circular shape of the mycelium is caused by the need for space. If the mushrooms grew side by side, there wouldn't be enough room for them to grow. The mycelium spreads out in search of food, which makes the ring wider over time.
About 60 mushroom species can grow in the fairy ring pattern. The best known is the edible Scotch bonnet, also known as the fairy ring mushroom or champignon. One of the largest rings ever found is near Belfort in northeastern France, formed by Infundibulicybe geotropa. It is thought to be about 300 metres (980 ft) in diameter and over 700 years old.
Yes, there is a great deal of folklore surrounding fairy rings. In German tradition, fairy rings were thought to mark the site of witches' dancing on Walpurgis Night. In Austrian mythology, dragons were blamed for burning the circles into the forest floor with their fiery tails. Some cultures believe that fairy rings are portals to another world, while others say that the mushrooms are used as dinner tables or parasols for fairies.
