Abstract: The Stipa grandis steppe is a characteristically central Asian grassland. In grassland ecosystem, soil has a significant impact on plant community dynamics. The study area comprised Maodeng pasture near Xilin-haote, Inner Mongolia characterized as S. grandis steppe. We established four different mowing treatments in 2009 which were continued until 2013. Mowing frequencies were twice a year (TAY); Once a year (OAY); Once two year (OTY); No mowing (NM). Soil samples were collected to determine soil nutrient status in August 2013. Soil moisture (gravimetric), soil respiration rate and soil microbial number were measured in June, July and August, respectively. The results indicated that soil moisture of NM was the highest across all treatments. Soil organic matter content in the 20-30 cm and 30-40 cm depth bands in the TAY treatment was significantly higher than all other treatments; total soil nitrogen was also highest in the TAY treatment. There was significantly difference in soil respiration rate among cutting systems; OAY and NM produced higher soil respiration than that of remaining treatments; soil respiration was lowest in July for all systems. Soil microbial activity in NM treatments was significantly higher than in the cutting systems in both June and August. No mowing was beneficial to soil microbial activity, soil nutrients and soil respiration, but was not conducive to the growth of S. grandis. Annual mowing produced the optimal outcome in terms of productivity in the short and long term.