Survival of faecal indicator bacteria in bovine manure incorporated into soil

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Abstract
Aims: Survival of Escherichia coli and enterococci was evaluated in bovine manure incorporated into two Wisconsin soils. Methods and Results: Silty clay loam (SCL) and loamy sand (LS) were mixed with fresh bovine manure, exposed daily to 10 h at 22°C/14 h at 9°C, and watered weekly for 12 weeks. Escherichia coli numbers increased 1–2 log cfu g–1, then decreased < 1 and about 2 log cfu g–1 in SCL and LS, respectively. Enterococci numbers rose less and then declined faster than those of E. coli. Watering intervals of 3, 7 and 14 days were evaluated in weeks 13–19, but did not affect the slow decline in numbers of E. coli or enterococci. Conclusions: Escherichia coli and enterococci may survive at least 19 weeks at 9–21°C in bovine manure/soil, with E. coli surviving better. Significance and Impact of the Study: Quantification of E. coli or enterococci in late spring/early summer soil may be useful in indicating recent application of bovine manure.