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The rate of exchange of CO₂ between the soil and the atmosphere depends on the stability of the organic carbon stored in the soil. Recent studies show that carbon stored in the subsoil is characterised by larger turnover times than the carbon stored in the topsoil. Consequently, identification of the depth at which high/low amounts of SOC are stored is essential for applying sustainable management of the soil in the light of global warming and related threats. This study investigates the depth distribution of SOC in relation to land use and soil type based on a large dataset for Flanders (Belgium). Soil type determines the SOC content along the entire profile. On the contrary, land use appears to have a strong influence on SOC content in the top layers of the profile, but doesn't play a significant role at the bottom of the profile (>1 m depth). SOC content near the surface of the profile is remarkably higher in fine (clay …