Decomposition process in the soil of desert, steppe and mountain landscapes was studied in the region of Caucasus (Daghestan). The study sites differed mainly in average temperature and humidity being generally extremely dry with soil poor in organic matter. Two methods – bags with grass and cellulose filter paper discs were used. No dependence was found between the rate of decomposition of introduced organic matter and organic nitrogen content, and C:N ratio in soil, but strong dependence was found with temperature and humidity conditions. The measured rate of organic matter decomposition in soil of desert, steppe, and mountain sites indicated that the level of decomposition activity of these soils is high. In summer it is lowest in steppe (1.97 mg · g⁻¹ · 24 h⁻¹), whereas the highest in mountains (5.68 mg · g⁻¹ · 24 h⁻¹). The annual average rate of decomposition of cellulose discs and hay in mountain site was almost two times higher than in steppe site and nearly three times higher than in desert site. Mainly climatic conditions i.e. long-lasting drought (almost all the year) in desert as well as in steppe (January to August) are responsible for this difference.
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