Hypothesis on the pedogenesis of the ‘gley podzols’ of the west coast of South Island, New Zealand

SUMMARY The gley podzols of the west coast of South Island, New Zealand, typically exhibit permanent waterlogging extending from the surface to depths of 1–3 m. Their formation is explained by a continuation of processes which give rise to Peaty Podzols with thin iron pan (Ironpan Stagnopodzols; Placaquods). Iron pans initially formed within the upper B horizon are breached by acidic reducing waters and reform at a succession of lower levels down to 3 m or more below the surface.