Belowground plant biomass and its vertical distribution in the soil profile was studied in two meadow communities belonging to Cnidion and Molinion alliances and in degraded stands dominated by expanding Calamagrostis epigejos, which suppressed meadow communities. No significant differences were observed either between the belowground dry mass of both meadow communities (1562-1601 g.m -2 in Cnidion site, 1322-1462 g.m -2 in Molinion site) or between these original meadows and stands dominated by C. epigejos in the same sites (1306-1552 g.m -2 - Cnidion site, 1526-1576 g.m -2 - Molinion site). In Cnidion and Molinion sites, about 70% of meadow belowground dry mass was accumulated in the upper 5 cm soil, i.e. 1182 and 1065 g.m -2, respectively. Deeper soil layer (5-10 cm) contained only 17% and 13%. On the contrary, a greater proportion of belowground organs (30%) was observed at 5-10 cm soil depth in Calamagrostis stands. In this deeper soil layer, 42% of total rhizome dry mass (139 and 186 g.m -2) was located. 309 and 401 g.m -2 root dry mass was also distributed at the same soil depth. Consequently Calamagrostis forms larger root system located deeper in the soil and this is the reason way Calamagrostis could be more successful in the competition for soil nutrients.