High-acidity soils with a pH of less than 5.3 will rapidly decompose bone, whereas in a neutral or basic soil with a pH of 7 or more, a skeleton can remain in relatively good condition for centuries.

酸硷值低于5.3的强酸土壤会迅速分解骨头，而在酸硷值7或是以上的土壤中，一具骨骼可以在相当良好的情况下维持数世纪。