Tracing erosion rates in loess landscape of the Trzebnica Hills (Poland) over time using fallout and cosmogenic nuclides

Abstract Purpose Loess landscapes are highly susceptible to soil erosion, which affects stability and productivity. Erosion is non-linear in time space determines whether soils form or degrade. While the spatial variability of erosion often assessed by either modelling on-site measurements, temporal trends over decades millennia very lacking. In this study, we determined long- short-term rates trace dynamics loess deposits south-western Poland. Materials methods We quantified long-term (millennial) using cosmogenic (in situ 10 Be) (decadal) with fallout radionuclides ( 239+240 Pu). processes were studied two slope-soil transects (12 pits) variable features. As a reference site, an undisturbed profile under natural forest was sampled. Results discussion The ranged between 0.44 0.85 t ha ?1 year , whereas varied from 1.2 10.9 seem be reliable. up times higher than rates. quite consistent terrain relief, increasing steeper slope sections decreasing lower parts slope, while still maintaining high values. Conclusions Soil have increased during last few owing agriculture intensification probably climate change. measured values lie far above tolerable rates, found strongly imbalanced exhibit drastic shallowing productive horizons.