2018
DOI: 10.1558/aefs.33662
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Human Cadaver Burial Depth Affects Soil Microbial and Nutrient Status

Abstract: Shallow burial (c. <0.3 m) of human cadavers provides an alternative to standard burial depth (c. 1.0 m) as this can enhance the natural recycling of nutrients to the soil through improved interactions between the corpse and the soil ecosystem. However, there is a paucity of knowledge describing the interactions between the human cadaver and soil microbiology at any depth. The effects of shallow were compared to standard burial depth on soil chemical (available nitrogen and phosphorus, and organic matter) and … Show more

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Cited by 4 publications
(5 citation statements)
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“…This site was flown a day after Site 1, thus also in dry conditions. Tumer et al [24] show decomposition slows in clayey soils compared to loamy or organic soils, but clayey soils also have more microbial activity according to Pawlett et al [25].…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
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“…This site was flown a day after Site 1, thus also in dry conditions. Tumer et al [24] show decomposition slows in clayey soils compared to loamy or organic soils, but clayey soils also have more microbial activity according to Pawlett et al [25].…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The difference in grave digging at all three sites impacts how these sites recover. Where graves are more compacted, decreased gas diffusion and anaerobic conditions slow decomposition [25]. Despite this, site vegetation may be invigorated by mechanical disturbance of the soil independent of human decomposition, such as decreased mechanical resistance to rooting [26].…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
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“…The role of ecosystem engineers is a key factor in soil formation, and we have begun with a focus on a species of land crab, Cardisoma guanhumi, ubiquitous at Marco Gonzalez and in coastal locations generally in Belize (Glanville-Wallis 2015). Soil fauna and microfauna play key roles in soil formation and in increasing soil nutrient capacity (Carter et al 2007), and we plan to expand research to include other invertebrates and fungi, with a focus on the long-term effects of human burial on soil microecology (Pawlett et al 2019). Our cited published papers have detailed environmental change, but also, rather surprisingly, Pre-Columbian mercury contamination, for which an investigative strategy has been developed (Turner et al 2021).…”
Section: Future Workmentioning
confidence: 99%