Advanced Decay, Dry, and Remains

Advanced decay is associated with a significant increase in the concentration of soil nitrogen. The decomposition of a 68 kg human cadaver resulted in an increase in approximately 525 pg ammonium g 1 soil (Vass et al. 1992). Cadaveric material contains several other nutrients, such as P, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) (Table 2.1), which will enter the soil upon decomposition. Soil (3-5 cm) beneath a 68 kg human cadaver in advanced decay also contained 300 pg K g1 soil, 50 pg Ca g1 soil, and approximately 10 pg Mg g 1 soil (Vass et al. 1992). 

Soil texture and cadaver mass can affect the vertical extent of a CDI. For example, the CDI, as measured by soil moisture content, associated with an elephant (Loxodonta africana Blumenbach) cadaver (-1,629 kg) on sandy 

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