Distribution and decline of human pathogenic bacteria in soil after application in irrigation water and the potential for soil-splash-mediated dispersal onto fresh produce.

AIMS: To improve our understanding of the survival and splash-mediated transfer of zoonotic agents and faecal indicator bacteria introduced into soils used for crop cultivation via contaminated irrigation waters. METHODS AND RESULTS: Zoonotic agents and an Escherichia coli marker bacterium were inoculated into borehole water, which was applied to two different soil types in early-, mid- and late summer. Decline of the zoonotic agents was influenced by soil type. Marker bacteria applied to columns of two soil types in irrigation water did not concentrate at the surface of the soils. Decline of zoonotic agents at the surface was influenced by soil type and environmental conditions. Typically, declines were rapid and bacteria were not detectable after 5 weeks. Selective agar strips were used to determine that the impact of water drops 24-87 µl could splash marker bacteria from soil surfaces horizontal distances of at least 25 cm and heights of 20 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Soil splash created by rain-sized water droplets can transfer enteric bacteria from soil to ready-to-eat crops. Persistence of zoonotic agents was reduced at the hottest part of the growing season when irrigation is most likely. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Soil splash can cause crop contamination. We report the penetration depths and seasonally influenced declines of bacteria applied in irrigation water into two soil types.