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Due to high temporal variation of soil organic matter in arid regions, estimates of annual sequestered C might be overestimate. We assessed the soil stable organic matter (humic substances) in the transitional area between Dry Chaco and Monte eco-regions in western Argentina, as an approach to estimate realistic soil C sink. Soil samples were taken during wet and dry seasons in four sites along precipitation gradient. In each site three soil cover situations (under tree, under shrubs and on bare soils) were sampled (n = 5) and the quantity and type of residues (tree and shrub leaves, woody material, grasses and forbs) were recorded. Soil organic matter and humic substances (humic and fulvic acids) content were analyzed and non-humic substances were calculated by the differences between organic matter and humic substances. Soil humic substance proportion respect to SOM was low (20%) in all sites and it did not correspond with the precipitation gradient. Non-humic substances were lower in wet season indicating high C lability. The most important factors that affected soil humic substance content were the type and quantity of organic residues and soil cover type. Our results suggest that previous C sink estimations in Argentina dry forest probably are overestimated. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.