Impact of land degradation on soil respiration in a steppe (Stipa tenacissima L.) semi-arid ecosystem in the SE of Spain

► The seasonal and spatial variation of soil respiration in a semi-arid grassland ecosystem. ► The importance of soil temperature and moisture controlling soil respiration in these regions. ► The impact of land degradation by comparing the dynamics of soil respiration in two steppe ecosystems with different degree of vegetation cover.