Competition Between Big Sagebrush and Crested Wheatgrass

Abstract

Mortality of big sagebrush appeared to be related to presence of seeded crested wheatgrass. Roots of both species were restricted by a shallow hardpan. An experiment was performed to compare relative drought resistance of the two species when rooted in the same volume of soil. Water was withheld until all leaves were airdry. Crested wheatgrass was the only survivor in all replications.