Faculty Mentor
Dr. William Belcher
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of a decomposing pig carcass on soil pH in the tallgrass prairie ecosystem of Southeast Nebraska, using pigs as proxies for human decomposition. The experiment spanned 171 days, encompassing decomposition stages from fresh to advanced decay. Soil samples were collected at regular intervals from four cardinal directions (north, east, south, west) and distances (0, 33, 66, and 100 cm) from the carcass to analyze changes in pH over time. Results indicated that decomposition significantly influenced soil pH, with the most dramatic changes occurring on the south side of the carcass, where the pig burst. pH levels generally increased near the carcass and decreased with distance. Linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant relationship (r² = 0.983, p < 0.05) between increasing distance and decreasing pH, confirming that the decomposition process caused measurable and consistent changes in soil chemistry. Environmental factors, such as temperature, moisture, and scavenger activity, also impacted the decomposition and subsequent changes in soil pH. These findings contribute valuable insights into the relationship between animal decomposition and soil chemistry, relevant to forensic and ecological studies. Although the collection period did not cover the entire decomposition process, the data provided meaningful results that can inform future taphonomic research.
Recommended Citation
Nelson, Camryn and Belcher, William
(2025)
"Soil pH Analysis of Pig Decomposition in Southeast Nebraska,"
Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 9
, Article 3.
Available at:
https://commons.erau.edu/beyond/vol9/iss1/3