Natural Organic Reduction

Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), also known as human composting, soil transformation, and Terramation, is a process for the final disposition of human remains in which microbes convert a deceased body into compost. Human bodies naturally decompose after death unless they are cremated or embalmed.  During NOR, the decomposition process is sped up to as little as 1-2 months. The process entails encasing human corpses in wood chips, straw, alfalfa, and other readily available biodegradable materials until the microbes decompose the body. The accelerated process is based in part on techniques developed for composting livestock.
While modern burial practices have tended to favor in-ground burial and cremation. composting was common before these modern burial practices. Cultural concerns like sustainability and environmentally friendly burial have led to a resurgence in interest in direct composting of human mortalities. Some religious and cultural communities have been critical of NOR, even though it is a return to more traditional practices.