Using root exclusion method, and based on the field observation data of root respiration in a period of two years from an abandoned land soil in Tianlong mountain area of Shanxi province, we analyzed the relationships between root respiration and environmental factors. The results showed that the root respiration in the abandoned land exhibited a seasonal variation following the variation in soil temperature, with high values in summer and low values in winter. In terms of carbon content, the root respirations in 2007 and 2008 was 329.5 and 392.5 g/m² from March to December, respectively. Soil temperature was a main factor influencing root respiration, and it could explain a variation of respiration from 79% to 88%. Soil moisture had little impact on root respiration. The model including soil temperature and soil water content variables could explain the seasonal variation of root respiration from 81% to 89%. The percentage of root respiration in total soil respiration changed over the season between 24% and 54%. Percentage of the mean root respiration from March to December in the total soil respiration in 2007 and 2008 was 24.9% and 30.9%, respectively.