Groundwater gley

High groundwater table
Prolonged periods of waterlogging within 40cm of surface
Grey uniform colour (gleying) or mottling through profile

Photograph of a groundwater gley soil profile showing dark topsoil over grey and mottled subsoil layers affected by prolonged water saturation. Stones and wet compacted material are visible throughout the lower profile, with standing water at the base of the pit. A measuring scale marked in centimetres is positioned vertically along the left side.

Often found near rivers or hollows between drumlins

Map of Ireland titled “Groundwater Gley Soils.” Green areas indicate where groundwater gley soils are the dominant soil type, while light blue shading shows areas where they also occur. These poorly drained soils are widespread across lowland and poorly drained regions throughout the country. County boundaries are outlined in grey, with a legend distinguishing dominant and associated areas.