gleization

Cultivated gley soil in southern Canada

Photo credit: Agriculture Agri-Food Canada
Used with permission

Gleization occurs in regions of high rainfall and low-lying areas that may be naturally waterlogged. Bacterial activity is slowed in the constantly wet environment thus inhibiting the decomposition of dead vegetation allowing it to accumulate in thick layers. Peat is found in the upper portion of the soil. Decaying plant matter releases organic acids that react with iron in the soil. The iron is reduced rather than oxidized giving the wet lands a black to bluish - gray color.