To better understand a fairy ring fungus, a couple of descriptive terms should be listed:
Because of the growing advance of the mycelium, fairy rings have dead grass over the growing edge of the mycelium. Mushrooms spring up close behind the outer edge of the mycelium. The older mycelium in the center finally uses up the soil nutrients; the early center mycelium dies, returning nutrients to the soil. This soil enrichment allows the starved grass to grow again. Living edges of the mycelium continue to spread outward, seeking nutrients. Large fairy rings may be formed by this process. The size of a fairy ring depends upon proper growing conditions and available nutrients.
Copyright © 2003 William T. Hathaway.