Cadaver decomposition advanced decay

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). 

Figure 2.1 Pig (Sus scrofa L.) cadaver in the bloated (a) and advanced decay (b) stage of decomposition on the soil surface of a pasture near Mead, Nebraska. Cadavers were 8 weeks old and approximately 40 kg at the time of death. Cadavers were placed on the soil surface within 30 minutes of death. Arrow indicates location and direction of maggot migration. (See color insert following p. 178.)...

Figure 2.4 Putative postputrefaction fungi (Coprinus sp.) in association with a pig (Sus scrofa L.) cadaver in the advanced decay stage of decomposition 28 days after death.

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