copious quantities of fluids (with high nitrogen concentration) are released during decomposition.  The carcass becomes a temporary habitat and food source for multiple organisms including bacteria, fungi, and vertebrates.  Although the fluids that are released are toxic to vegetation, in time the vegetation is restored and the site flourishes from the nutrient enrichment. 

Currently, forensic entomology utilizes insects for determination of postmortem intervals, manner of death and information regarding body relocation.  However, the changes that occur while insects colonize a carcass are not limited to above ground effects.  Nematodes comprise about 90% of the the multicellular animal organisms found in soil and any disturbance causing changes in their environment or food source could alter the number and composition of the nematode community.  Specific measurable nematode behaviors could make them a beneficial forensic investigation tool.

On September 26, 2003 we visited 6 bison death sites at Konza Prairie near Manhattan, Kansas taking soil samples from each site for nematode analysis.  Samples were taken directly underneath the bison carcasses (when their location could be determined). 

The nematode community was evaluated based on individual nematodes per 100cc of soil, proportions of different feeding types per sample and species diversity.