Locusts Prefer Geavily Grazed Dields (IMAGE) Arizona State University Caption A locust (Oedaleus asiaticus) pauses in its preferred habitat -- a field heavily grazed by sheep (background) near the Inner Mongolia Grassland Ecological Research Station in northeast China. Heavy livestock grazing enhances soil erosion and nitrogen depletion which promotes outbreaks of this locust by shifting plant nutrient content toward lower nitrogen conditions favorable to O. asiaticus. In contrast to paradigms for nitrogen limitation in herbivores, higher nitrogen diets decrease growth and survival of this locust. Credit Arianne Cease Usage Restrictions Must use photo credit in all applications. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.