Can Trees Help Find Dead Bodies?

[doublestop]

Could a Tree Help Find a Decaying Corpse Nearby?

On a “body farm,” researchers are exploring whether the nutrients from human cadavers can change the look of plants, which authorities might use to locate missing persons.

 

[borndem]

I am an English major, definitely not a chemist, physician, botanist, biologist or horticulturist, etc., but...
Seems to me, the leeching and draining of fluids & solids from dead bodies could influence flora, etc., in a field or in the woods, or in a backyard, etc. The human body has lots of chemicals, etc., in it.

Here's some interesting and (somewhat) graphic info:

Deadly secrets—the science of decomposition
[...]
A decomposing body releases ammonium ions, which may also alter the pH level of the soil. A study undertaken at the University of Western Australia (albeit using animal flesh, not human) found that, after seven days in the ground, the pH level of acidic soil rose by over three units. Alkaline soil, however, recorded only slightly increased pH levels.

Forensic archaeologists also look at plant growth or death, and at changes in appearance to an area. These clues can help investigators obtain information regarding the presence of a possible grave.

As the human body breaks down it releases large amounts of nitrogen and phosphate into the surrounding soils. This can initially kill off the plant life in the close vicinity, though within several years those same chemicals prompt a surge in growth, resulting in unusually green and robust patches of botanic life. Studying how the decomposition process may alter the Australian environment is one of the tasks that will be researched at AFTER. [Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research]

Source:
Deadly secrets—the science of decomposition

 

[Vail]

Well, I asked the one outside my window what it thought, but it didn't have much to say.

In all seriousness, this does hold some weight. Here is some info about corpse mushrooms, which often grow around buried bodies in wooded areas:

https://www.scribd.com/document/479789283/Mushrooms-and-taphonomy-The-fungi-that-mark-woodla-pdf

Forensic Mycology: Taking Hebeloma to Court

 

[Filly]

Well, I asked the one outside my window what it thought, but it didn't have much to say.

Cracked up.at that because DD is a horticulturist and talks to trees. Not my doing.

However some of the things she shares with me and the wonder of plants, trees, vegetation I wouldn't doubt it.

Gonna ask her after work today. Can't promise to understand, but will share. Very interesting stuff.

 

[LovesMoose]

I'm eating lunch and don't need to be reading this.

My mom has threatened to come back as an oak tree when she dies, which is disconcerting when you look at my property. We have dozens of them. Are they all someone's mom?

Oaks are creepy.