Factors affecting vertical distribution of Fukushima accident-derived radiocesium in soil under different land-use conditions

► Vertical distribution of radiocesium was investigated for 15 soils. ► Forest litter layer held 50-91% of the total 137Cs inventory. ► 137Cs penetrated deeper in forest soils than in cropland and grassland soils. ► Stronger 137Cs retention was observed in soils rich in finer-sized particles. ► 137Cs retention was lower in soils rich in organic carbon relative to clay content.