Interactions between soil resources and roots within plant communities are typically studied without considering the role of insect root herbivory. Plant species differ in their tendency to proliferate roots in nutrient-rich patches (i.e., forage) in heterogeneous environments, and intensively-foraging species may be better competitors for limiting resources. If root herbivores preferentially forage in such patches also, however, there may be a tradeoff between resource capture and exposure to root herbivory that influences competitive interactions in plant communities. To investigate this issue, we designed field and greenhouse experiments using co-occurring herbs and trees, in which we manipulated patterns in resource availability and the presence of root-feeding Scarabaeidae larvae. In a greenhouse experiment designed to examine herbivore foraging behavior, we divided pots into four quarters: a fertilized, unplanted quarter, an unfertilized, unplanted quarter, and two unfertilized quarters with plants. Six weeks after grubs were added, grub densities were highest in fertilized quarters (P<0.0001), even though the majority of roots were still in the original planted quarters. In another pot experiment, aboveground production was reduced in the presence of grubs (P<0.03), with greater impacts of grubs on plants in heterogeneous (relative to homogeneous) conditions. In small patches in the field (< 50cm2), increasing fertility increased root herbivore biomass (P<0.05), and herbivores reduced root mass to a greater extent in fertilized than unfertilized patches (P<0.01). Overall, it appears that grubs are attracted to organic-rich soil patches, and that nutrient heterogeneity may serve as an important template for controlling belowground trophic structure and function.