What happens to a dead body when put in the ground?

When a dead body is buried in the ground, it undergoes a process of decomposition. Initially, bacteria and enzymes break down soft tissues, leading to the release of gases and fluids. Over time, the body loses mass and may skeletonize, while environmental factors such as soil composition, temperature, and moisture influence the rate of decomposition. Eventually, the remains may turn into skeletal material, which can take years to decades to fully decay depending on the conditions.