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Effects of the fairy ring fungus Agaricus arvensis on nutrient availability in grassland
Author(s) -
Edwards P. J.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1988.tb00275.x
Subject(s) - mycelium , phosphorus , nutrient , potassium , nitrogen , botany , agronomy , chemistry , vegetation (pathology) , biology , horticulture , ecology , medicine , organic chemistry , pathology
SUMMARY Agaricus arvensis Schaeff. ex Fr. produced a pattern (a fairy ring) in the vegetation consisting of three concentric zones of scorched or reddened foliage alternating with zones of more vigorous growth. The outermost zone contained active mycelium; the inner zones were thought to represent the positions of the mycelium in previous years. Soil samples were taken from the various zones of affected vegetation, and from outside and inside the rings. Concentrations of total nitrogen, phosphorus (total and acetic acid extractable), potassium and magnesium were highest in the active zone; concentrations of these nutrients inside the zones were lower than those outside. Leaf blades of Agrostis capillaris L. in all zones of affected vegetation had enhanced concentrations of nitrogen. Phosphorus and potassium concentrations in leaves were reduced within the fairy rings, especially in the zones of reddened foliage. It is concluded that the growth habit of the fungus allows it to accumulate nutrients very effectively and may cause nutrient deficiencies in higher plants. The investment of potassium in sporophores was equivalent to 23 % of that in the soil volume exploited by the mycelium in 1 year. For phosphorus the corresponding percentages were 1–3 of total soil phosphorus and 63 % of acetic acid‐extractable phosphorus. However for nitrogen, calcium and magnesium the quantity in the sporophores was & 1 % of that in the soil.