Observation of "fairy rings" in the lowlands

Abstract

Investigations on the formation of fairy rings by Agaricales were performed in the year·s 1971-1974 in forest meadows and reserves in Dziekanów Leśny and on agricultural mowed ones in Kazuń near Warsaw. During 240 observations 378 maps were made. In forest meadows 15 species formed rings and on agricultural mowed meadows 22 species. Many species formed rings considerably affecting the growth of vascular plants. This caused the formation of distinct zone.s parallel to the lines of fructifications. Many more species formed rings without affecting the growth and species composition of vascular plants. The appearance of fairy rings and the analysis of the reasons for their occurrence may facilitate in a certain sense the investigation of the speed and way of growth of mycelium in the soil.