The Influence of Manure Slurry Irrigation on the Survival of Fecal Organisms in Scranton Fine Sand

Samples of Scranton fine sand obtained from established fields of millet (Pennisetum typhoides) receiving 0, 1.27, 2.54, and 5.08 cm of cow manure slurry irrigation per week were inoculated with either a culture of Salmonella enteritidis serotype Enteritidis or fresh slurry containing fecal coliforms. The numbers of viable enteric organisms per gram of soil (dry weight) were determined at various times after inoculation. An inverse relationship was observed between death rates of the fecal organisms and the previous rate of slurry irrigation. Salmonella and fecal coliforms had a higher death rate in soil samples which had previously received 0 or 1.27 cm of slurry irrigation per week than in soil samples which had previously received higher irrigation rates.