Forensic 
 

Taphonomy

At unL

Forensic taphonomy is an applied science with clear aims: use the processes associated with cadaver decomposition to estimate postmortem and/or postburial interval, assist in the determination of the cause and manner of death, and aid in the search and location of clandestine graves (Haglund and Sorg, 1997a). These aims were borne out of taphonomy, which was originally a branch of palaeontology (Efremov, 1940). 

Taphonomy aims to achieve a fundamental understanding of how the ecology of a terrestrial site will affect the decomposition of an organic resource, such as a cadaver. In turn, a need exists to understand how the breakdown of animal remains will change the ecology of a site (Efremov, 1940). It was proposed that information concerning the nature of decomposed remains could be gathered through the examination of the conditions in which they are preserved (Efremov, 1940). In response to this the Powers Laboratory has conducted studies in order to examine the nematological, entomological and microbial processes associated with cadaver decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems.

The main question to be answered: are there measurable changes in belowground nematode and microbial communities associated with cadaver decomposition?

If so, this information could possibly be used in much the same way forensic entomology uses above-ground insect clues in crime scene investigation.
"Pig A" on day 91
Intial study of pig carcasses at Mead 
Samples were taken beneath two pig carcasses and two grass control sites in a pasture near Mead, NE for 11 weeks, then again one year later. 
Bison on Konza Prairie
Bison death sites at Konza Prairie
Samples were taken from 6 bison death sites at Konza Prairie ranging from weeks to years since the death of the animal.
"Pig 2" on day 7 
Further studies at Mead
Samples were taken beneath 6 pig carcasses and 6 control sites in a pasture near Mead, NE summer of 2005
References
Efremov, E. A., 1940. Taphonomy: a new branch of paleontology. Pan-American Geologist 74, 81-93.

Haglund, W. D., Sorg, M. H., 1997a. Introduction to forensic taphonomy. In: Haglund, W. D., Sorg, M. H., (Eds.), Forensic Taphonomy: The Postmortem Fate of Human Remains. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA, pp. 1-9.