Putjes

Putjes are small pits or shallow depressions, typically formed on surfaces such as soil, rock, or pavement. The term is Dutch, derived from put meaning "hole" with the diminutive suffix -je, and it is used to describe tiny hollows in landscapes as well as on everyday surfaces.

In urban infrastructure, putjes most commonly refer to potholes in roads and driveways. They develop when water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, causing surrounding material to crumble. Repeated traffic and weathering enlarge these depressions. Putjes can trap water, debris, and ice, creating safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians. Repair methods include temporary patching with cold or hot asphalt mixtures, semi-permanent reinstatement, and full resurfacing.

In soils and natural landscapes, putjes describe microtopographic depressions that influence infiltration, drainage, and microhabitat conditions for plants and microorganisms. They can form through processes such as differential settlement, crust cracking, root channels, animal activity, or freeze-thaw cycles. In agricultural and ecological contexts, these features affect moisture retention, erosion patterns, and biodiversity at small scales.

Etymologically, putjes reflect the Dutch habit of using the diminutive -je to designate small versions of a concept, here a small pit or depression. The term is widely used in Dutch-speaking regions to describe both man-made and natural hollows, and its exact meaning can vary with context from road maintenance to soil science.