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L_J <br />• <br />ERO Resources <br />Sagebrush-44heatgrass/Cheatgrass Complex <br />This part of the mosaic is a lateral link between the grass -dominated <br />types that occur along the more predominant sagebrush-wheatgrass segments <br />of the overall gradient (Map 128, Pocket). The causative factors <br />responsible for this complex are related to overgrazing by sheep, heavy <br />animal traffic and subsequent erosion. <br />The lowland segment of this complex occurs on sites underlain by <br />relatively deep soil having textural characteristics ranging from loamy to <br />sandy. Cheatgrass has invaded the sandy areas where disturbance has <br />occurred. Western wheatgrass has less ability to compete in sandy soil <br />areas (Goodin and Northington 1979) and is less tolerant to surFace <br />disturbance. <br />The upland segment of this type occurs on soils that also have coarse <br />textures. These areas tend to be more shallow, however, and are underlain <br />by sandstones near the surface. <br />II.F-24 <br />