A plethora of methods exist for analyzing soil to determine grave location, ranging from geophysical techniques to analysis in laboratory. These tests rely on the analysis of soil samples to determine their origins. Samples can be compared to others to see how well they match. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. In forensic settings, results must be accurate for evidence to hold up in court. Some tests will therefore be better suited to the task. The main soil types are clay, silt and sand. The formation and properties of soils are determined by the parent material, the climate of its origin, the topography, the organisms that inhabit it, and the weather. Soil type and particle size determine appropriate techniques (Pye and Blott, 2004). The value of the soil in relation to determining the grave location is essential to avoid a lengthy excavation process. Statistical tests are performed to determine if the samples match and if they are significant. The main methods of comparing forensic soil samples involve the use of microscopes and by manually examining color, texture, density gradient and mineralogical content. After primary manual examination, X-ray diffraction along with another method such as X-ray fluorescence are used to find out the chemical composition of the sample. These methods are considered useful for distinguishing samples containing inorganic minerals. However, Bommarito et al (2006) believe that a different method is needed to distinguish organic compounds. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) meets these requirements. Ion chromatography is also being studied. in their study because it has not previously been applied to forensic soil comparisons. ...... middle of paper ......t, S. (2004). Particle size analysis of sediments, soils and associated particulate materials for forensic purposes using laser particle size analysis. Forensic Science International, 144(1), pp.19--27. Pye, K. (2007). Geological and pedological evidence. 1st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Sugita, R. and Marumo, Y. (2001). Screening of soil evidence by a combination of simple techniques: validity of particle size distribution. Forensic science international, 122(2), pp.155--158. Tibbett, M. and Carter, D. (2008). Soil analysis in forensic taphonomy. 1st ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press. Weinger, B., Reffner, J. and De Forest, P. (2009). A new approach to examining soil evidence: mineral identification using infrared microprobe analysis. Journal of Forensic Sciences, [online] 54(4), pp.851-856. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01064.x [Accessed May 16. 2014].