On the characteristics and origin of closed depressions in loess-derived soils in Europe-a case study from central Belgium

In one of the four CDs, with a catchment area of 0.588 ha, the soil erosion rate was calculated, using soil sequences phosphate content and charcoal analysis. Since 1950 AD, the mean annual soil loss due to water and tillage erosion within the catchment of the CD ranged between 5.5 and 9.8 ton/ha or 0.37-0.65 mm. Based on 14C-dating, it was calculated that mean annual soil loss since 430 AD amounted to 2.1 ton/ha or 0.14 mm.