gleization
/ɡlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
noun
- The process in waterlogged soil where organic matter breaks down without oxygen, creating a sticky, bluish-gray layer.
- The bluish color of the subsoil is a clear indicator of gleization.
- Farmers watch for signs of gleization to know if their fields have poor drainage.
- Gleization occurs in wetlands where the soil is constantly saturated.