The study found that soil type had a significant effect on the buried SMT. Differences in the rate of decomposition (SMT mass loss) were over three times greater in the Podsol compared with the Rendzina after 21 days This finding has major implications for forensic taphonomy, since little consideration has been given to the type of soil in which a cadaver (or part thereof) has been buried. Although these findings are important, the findings do not simulate the burial of a whole cadaver (only SMT was subjected to soil conditions). The parameters of this study are more reflective of the likely decomposition of peripheral parts of a body in the size range of limbs to digits. The initial high rate of decomposition of SMT may be due to the loss of moisture from the freshly cut material. The data suggest that the microbial biomass in each soil type responded differently to the introduction of the SMT, which is effectively a package of moisture and nutrients. As the soft tissue was attacked by the oil biomass, decompositional byproducts caused the pH of the immediate soil environment to change. All the soils became more alkaline at first, before acidifying. These parameters are controlled to some extent by the initial pH of the soil. The changes in the rate of soft tissue mass loss and microbial respiration showed the ability of the soil biomass to adapt to changes in pH. Detailed descriptions are provided of the materials and methods used. 4 figures and 37 references