Аннотация:It was analyzed the alpha and beta diversity of prokaryotic microbiomes of modern soils and paleo soils. Methagenomics analysis of modern soils, buried paleo soils and buried permafrost sediments revealed the difference in hydrolytic prokaryotic complexes. Due to the fact that previous studies revealed that the intensity of metabolic activity correlated with the age and deposition depth of the sample, the dominant genera of subsurface samples may be considered as potential hydrolytic agents for biotechnology. Absolute values of total and active biomass gradually decreased with the increase of deposition depth and age of the soil but the intensity of response to the introduction of the substrate increases with the deposition depth.