The objective of this article was to determine the influence of vegetation degradation on carbon and nitrogen storage in root-soil systems. We studied three typical temperate steppes with different levels of degradation in Inner Mongolia, including three different degraded temperate grasslands (Stipa grandis light degradation, moderate degradation, and severe degradation). The effects of vegetation degradation on soil carbon and nitrogen content in typical temperate steppe root-soil systems were studied. The results showed that:(1) the effect of vegetation degradation on carbon concentration of underground roots was not significant (P > 0.05), but the effect on the nitrogen concentration of underground roots was significant (P < 0.05). The nitrogen concentration of roots in the moderately degraded plot was significantly higher than in the light degradation and severe degradation plots. (2) the effects of vegetation degradation on carbon and nitrogen storage of root systems was significant (P < 0.05). Carbon and nitrogen reserves decreased with increasing levels of degradation. Carbon and nitrogen storage of roots in three study plots decreased as depth increased. (3) there were significant differences in soil organic carbon and nitrogen between different sampling plots (P < 0.05). With the increase in soil depth, the content of soil organic carbon and nitrogen decreased. The carbon and nitrogen storage of soil decreased as degradation increased. (4) Soil is the main carbon and nitrogen pool in root-soil systems. About 90% of carbon and nitrogen were stored in soil. In soil systems, carbon and nitrogen were stored mainly in the top soil layer. The effect of vegetation degradation on the proportion of carbon and nitrogen content in the top soil layer, however, was not significant (P < 0.05).