Summary
This field study examined how three co-occurring fairy ring-forming fungal species (Marasmius oreades, Amanita vittadinii, and Clitocybe collina) alter soil physicochemical properties and grassland communities in a managed ornamental grassland. Using metabarcoding and transect sampling, the authors found that whilst all three species exhibited common processes at the active fungal front (increased CO₂ flux, acidification, nutrient mobilisation), their ecological impacts differed substantially, with M. oreades acting as a strong ecosystem engineer through enhanced soil hydrophobicity, and the other two species showing minimal effects on grassland biota.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in Italy on ornamental grassland and does not directly address United Kingdom conditions or agricultural practice. However, the three fungal species examined are widespread across temperate Europe and the mechanisms of soil alteration and microbial community shifts may be transferable to UK grasslands; replication in UK managed grasslands would strengthen applicability to local turf management and conservation contexts.
Key measures
Fungal DNA reads (metabarcoding), soil CO₂ flux, soil pH, nutrient content, soil hydrophobicity, vegetation composition, soil microbial community structure
Outcomes reported
The study assessed fungal DNA distribution, soil physicochemical properties (including CO₂ flux, pH, nutrient content, and hydrophobicity), vegetation composition, and soil microbial community structure across three fairy ring-forming fungal species. Species-specific impacts on grassland biota and soil processes were quantified, revealing M. oreades as an ecosystem engineer with strong effects on vegetation and microbiota, whilst A. vittadinii and C. collina showed weaker ecological consequences.
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