Different groups of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were enumerated in decomposing alder litter (Alnus glutinosa) and the underlying soil. Unspecific media with soil extract were used for total counts and media with single carbon compounds or different nitrogen compounds for specific functional groups. The numbers of aerobic, amylolytic and proteolytic bacteria were high after litter fall and decreased towards the end of decomposition. The fluctuations in the anaerobic groups of organisms were mainly influenced by moisture. The numbers of denitrifiers in the soil were highest during decomposition of litter in the winter, while the numbers of ammonifiers in litter were always high.