The release of elements from decomposing aboveground plant litter was studied in grass stands dominated by Calamagrostis arundinacea and C. villosa on various deforested sites exposed to different pollution and climatic impacts in the Moravian-Silesian Beskydy Mts (the Czech Republic). Litter decomposition rates were positively related to the initial concentration of N in litter (in C. arundinacea also with P) and negatively to the percentage of C in litter and to C/N ratios. Dead leaves of C. arundinacea decomposed faster that those of C. villosa. After two years, the amount of decomposed leaves of C. arundinacea significantly increased with decreasing altitude and pollution loads. This relationship was not observed in C. villosa sites. Our data suggest a mobility series of K>Mg>P>Ca>N and K>Ca>Mg>P>N for the 2-yr study period in C. arundinacea and C. villosa, respectively. After two years, the accumulation (immobilization) of N in undecomposed litter occurred nearly in all sites (104-115% of original contents). Remarkable amounts of undecomposed aboveground plant matter and pound nutrients still persisted on the soil surface of deforested sites after two years of litter decomposition.