1. a type of soil formed under waterlogged conditions, typically sticky and bluish-gray in color, with poor drainage
Usage: technical; soil science

Examples

• The farmer discovered gley soil in the low-lying field after heavy rains.
• Gley forms in areas with high water tables and limited oxygen in the soil.
• The bluish-gray color of gley indicates waterlogging and anaerobic conditions.
• Agricultural drainage systems are often installed to prevent gley formation in productive farmland.
• Wetland ecosystems frequently develop gley soils due to persistent moisture.