The influence of Connochaetes taurinus carcass decomposition on soil nutrient composition in grasslands

Abstract

Decomposing carcasses leach nutrients into soils, forming dense, nutrient-rich islands. The effect of liquid influx on ecological dynamics from decomposing blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) carcasses on soil nutrient content at various stages of decomposition in a grassland ecosystem was investigated. Ten blue wildebeest carcasses, five caged and five pegged, were placed at suitable localities at Telperion Nature Reserve. Soil samples were collected at each site before placement of carcasses and at three-week intervals during the decomposition process. Soil samples collected from each carcass site were homogenised, air-dried, some frozen, and analysed for soil texture, colour, electrical conductivity (EC), potential hydrogen (pH), organic matter (OM), exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), C:N ratios, available phosphorus (P), and micronutrients. Soil properties showed significant temporal changes after placement of carcasses, especially EC, pH, OM, C:N ratios, and Cu indicated soil nutrient increases, exchangeable bases, nitrogen (N) indicated soil nutrient decreases, compared to before placement of carcasses. Soil colours and textures remained unchanged throughout. No significant differences were evident between results from the two treatments, caged carcasses compared to pegged carcasses.