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Fairy rings – The Hidden Resources of Our Lawns
29-40Views:49This review examines fairy rings in temperate grasslands and their ecological role, highlighting their occurrence in Hungary. It presents the 92 fungal species recorded in Hungary that form these structures and provides a detailed discussion of the ecological mechanisms behind ring formation, their growth rates (which vary from 7 cm to 125 cm per year depending on the species), and the various classification systems. Their ecological role is complex and dual: some species (Type 1) harm vegetation at the fungal front (e.g., through soil hydrophobicity and phytotoxic compounds), while in the inner zone of the rings, they stimulate growth and increase diversity, partly by promoting the proliferation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Therefore, fairy ring fungi are ecosystem engineers: they fundamentally influence nutrient cycles, soil microbial communities, plant diversity, and biomass production. Some of the compounds they produce (fairy chemicals) show remarkable potential for agricultural application. Research on fairy rings – despite being crucial for understanding the functioning of grassland ecosystems – is still insufficient. An interdisciplinary approach, the application of remote sensing technologies, and the use of mathematical modelling in future research could contribute to the protection, restoration, and climate change adaptation of grasslands.
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Botanical and forage value study of a fairy ring in a sandy steppe grassland
21-28Views:48Pannonian sand grasslands represent a prominent nature conservation value, for the maintenance of which knowledge of appropriate grassland management practices is indispensable. Our research investigated the complex effects of a phenomenon known as fairy rings – specifically, rings formed by Agaricus xanthodermus – which transform both the soil and the vegetation. In the different zones of a 14 m diameter fairy ring, we performed detailed botanical surveys using a total of 288 quadrats, each 0.5 m×0. 5m in area. These were evaluated using Borhidi's ecological indicators and the Balázs method for estimating yield and fodder value.
The fairy ring exerts a dual, spatially distinct effect on the vegetation. Intensive nitrogen mobilisation occurred at the fungal front, leading to the rapid dominance of the nitrogen-demanding, ruderal species Elymus repens. The characteristics of this zone included a steep increase in total cover, a drastic decrease in diversity, and a decline in the vegetation's naturalness value. Moving inwards from the ring, the effect weakened; regeneration was taking place, where the fodder-valuable Poa angustifolia dominated, resulting in the highest fodder value (K-value) in the central part of the ring. However, diversity remained low here as well, due to monodominance.
In summary, it can be concluded that the A. xanthodermus fairy ring functions as an ecosystem engineer, generating significant spatial heterogeneity in the grassland. Based on our results, a comprehensive assessment of the effects of fairy rings is essential to develop sustainable management and conservation practices for Pannonian grasslands, with particular regard to the balance between forage production and biodiversity.