Why is chemical control ineffective against Fairy Ring?

Chemical control is often ineffective against Fairy Ring primarily because fungicides do not penetrate deeply enough into the soil where the fungal mycelium resides. Fairy Ring is caused by certain types of fungi that grow and spread through the soil, forming a ring of mushrooms or a darker green grass. Since these fungi can establish themselves below the surface, merely applying fungicides to the top of the turf will generally not provide the necessary control. Effective management of Fairy Ring typically requires more than just chemical treatment; it might involve cultural practices that can alter the conditions that favor the fungus, such as improving drainage or changing the soil pH.

The other options mentioned, while relevant to certain scenarios, do not accurately describe the main challenge posed by Fairy Ring. For example, while fungicides can be costly, the primary limitation is their lack of adequate soil penetration. Additionally, the fungus does not only impact the grass surface; its effects are primarily due to its root-level activity in the soil, which is not addressed by surface applications. Lastly, using fungicides is not commonly restricted on turf fields, which means that availability is not typically a concern.