Fairy Rings

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Fairy Rings

Postby The Madame X » Sun Jul 07, 2013 10:03 am

Fairy Rings
Texas Cooperative Extension
by Richard L. Duble, Turfgrass Specialist and Richard Duble
Full article at: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/search/

Fairy rings appear in any lawn, golf course or other turf areas during spring and summer months. The rings appear as either dark green or brown circular bands ranging in size from a few inches to 50 feet in diameter. The fairy ring fungus grows outward from a central point at a rate varying from a few inches to as much as several feet a year. Where several distinct rings converge, fungus activity stops at the points of contact. As a result, the circular shape of the original rings is replaced by a scalloped effect.

Mushrooms frequently develop in a circle outside of the dark green or brown ring during spring and fall after a period of heavy rainfall or irrigation. Centuries ago people thought that the mushrooms appeared where "fairies" had danced the night before-hence, the name, fairy ring.

Disease Cycle. The disease is caused by any one of a number of soil-inhabiting fungi. Development of the fairy rings starts with a germinating spore or a strand of mycleium and grows outward in all directions. The fungus feeds on organic matter in the soil. Fungal strands (mycelium) spread throughout the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. As the fungus grows, the first visible evidence of a new fairy ring is a cluster of mushrooms (the fruiting structure of the fungus) or a tuft of stimulated dark green grass. Later, as the fungi spread outward from the point of origin, the ring-like pattern develops.

The initial tuft of dark green grass and the ring of stimulated grass that develops later result from the nitrogen released after the fungus breaks down the organic matter in the soil. Ae ring of brown or dead grass may also develop, caused by the depletion of soil moisture in the area where the fungus is concentrated. If you dig into the area of brown or dead grass, you will find a dense growth of white mycelium. Water will not penetrate this zone of dense mycelial growth.

During periods of unfavorable conditions, low temperatures and drought, mushroom production and fungal activity stops and may not be resumed for months or years.

Control. Fairy rings are very difficult to control with fungicides since the soil in the infected area is almost impervious to water. Some success has been achieved by aerating the soil and drenching the infected area with fungicide. A new fungicide, Prostar from AgrEvo USA Company, has shown good control of fairy ring.

Masking the symptoms of fairy rings is most effective. Aerating and drenching the soil with a wetting agent will help prevent the development of the zone of brown or dead grass in the area of dense mycelial growth. Keeping the fertility level of the turf high will also help to mask the appearance of the ring of stimulated, or dark green growth. Also, regular mowing removes the mushrooms, the other symptom of the fairy ring disease.
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Re: Fairy Rings

Postby The Madame X » Sun Jul 07, 2013 10:37 am

With all the spring rain we have in the region, I am fortunate to say that I often have these rings or arcs of mushrooms growing in our own yard.
Often called fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings or pixie rings, Fairy Circles emit a special kind of energy propitious for magical work, altar building and placing of offerings. So much folklore and legends surround fairy rings. Their names in various languages allude to supernatural origins - sorcerers' rings, witches' rings or even ringlets created by dancing elves or dragon's fiery tails and all these came with warnings to those who entered or violated the circles.
One of the more interesting legends is that fairy rings spring up over an underground fairy village. Regardless, most folk beliefs generally paint fairy rings as dangerous places, best avoided, but contrary to this I am most attracted to their energy. I do not fear angering the fairies and becoming cursed, but quite the contrary that by doing so I am actually working with their energy and I feel that magical work therein is actually enhanced.
It is said that the only safe way to investigate a fairy ring is during a full moon to run around it in a clockwise direction nine times. And I often do so even if to only demonstrate respect for the tradition.
I have no doubt that fairy circles are places of magic, fertility and good fortune.
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Re: Fairy Rings

Postby CountessNessa » Mon Oct 07, 2013 6:06 pm

This is so fascinating, I have to say that I have not yet experience these kinds of rings. Sense I lived in Vegas for so long, not much really grows out there, however, sense I am now in Michigan, I will be sure to look for them this spring and if I do so, I think I will take some pictures and post them if that is ok with you?
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Re: Fairy Rings

Postby The Madame X » Mon Oct 14, 2013 8:51 am

Sounds perfect! Im looking forward to seeing them :)
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