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The layer itself tends to be dry on the surface and damp underneath creating a situation of the top part hay and the lower part silage. In direct sun the thatch can heat severely creating conditions which will severely threaten the grass surrounding it. It can and will provide good conditions for fungus development with thatch fungus, fairy rings and a variety of diseases flourishing. This same layer can turn from a dry surface to a wet slimy surface, particularly in the autumn as slime moulds and algae form on the mat. This creates a near perfect gas seal at the surface which suffocates roots. This leads to a reduction in plant vigour causing a reduction in growth and some yellowing. In this situation the plant becomes prone to disease and if there is new seed about, damping-off will occur, with a near total kill-out.
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