ABSTRACTThe relationships between aggregate stability dynamics and soil temperature and moisture were studied at three sites in Israel under Mediterranean and arid climatic conditions. Soil moisture and temperature were monitored and aggregate stability was measured during a two year period. The data were analysed in terms of the effect of soil temperaure and moisture on bonding and breakdown agents and mechanisms such as clay and organic matter content, microbial activity and polysaccharide release, and freeze/thaw cycles.The conclusions were: 1. Aggregate stability decreases with increasing aridity. This trend reflects the influence of soil properties that have evolved over long period of time. 2. Soil temperature and moisture exert a strong control on aggregate stability dynamics in the seasonal scale under both Mediterranean and arid climatic conditions.The applicability of the conclusions to different environments was examined in the central Cordillera. While the general relationships with temperature and moisture could not be applied, the effect of agricultural activity on aggregate stability could be explained.