Does Splash from Overhead Sprinkler Irrigation Systems Contaminate Produce with Salmonella in the Southeastern United States?

<p>Technical Abstract: The overall goal of this proposal is to develop knowledge which will allow vegetable producers who rely on untreated surface sources of irrigation water coupled with overhead sprinkler irrigation to effectively address recently proposed FDA rules. In January 2013, the FDA proposed that all agricultural water be safe for its intended use (proposed § 112.41.) FDA’s definition of agricultural water is water that comes into direct contact with produce and includes irrigation water that is applied using direct water application methods such as overhead sprinkler irrigation. Companion CPS-funded studies conducted in the southeastern United States by members of our project team have consistently found measurable concentrations of Salmonella and other pathogens in ponds used to irrigate fruits and vegetables. Members of the project team also conducted a pilot study to assess the presence of Salmonella in irrigation water in four different irrigation systems on three farms. Salmonella and generic E. coli were found in samples collected from all three irrigation systems fed by pond water. These findings are intriguing but preliminary and a more comprehensive study will soon be underway to draw defensible conclusions. However, the new project will not allow us to determine whether any produce contamination we observe is caused directly by irrigation water or by irrigation-generated splash. In the southeastern Coastal Plain, overhead sprinkler irrigation is most frequently used with leafy greens, cabbage, cantaloupe, and watermelons, some of which are highly susceptible to contamination from splash. During our pilot irrigation water study, we have observed that overhead sprinkler irrigation systems apply irrigation water at very high rates and this quickly overwhelms the infiltration capacity of the soils. As a result, irrigation water ponds on the soil surface and begins to run off. As more irrigation water is applied, the ponded water and saturated surface soils begin to splash. A recent study in Georgia showed that Salmonella can persist in the soil for several months.</p>

<p>With that in mind, our objective is to better understand whether Salmonella contamination can stem from splash associated with farm soils, directly-applied irrigation water, or both. This information will help growers and FDA regulators with efforts to reduce contamination on produce. We have developed a research plan which will measure Salmonella and generic E. coli concentrations in overhead sprinkler irrigation water reaching the crop as well as in splash generated by the irrigation water. We will also measure Salmonella concentrations on produce and associate it with measured organic matter and soil residues deposited on the produce by splash.</p>

<p>The expected outcome of our proposed project is information on whether splash from overhead sprinkler irrigation systems contributes to the contamination of produce by Salmonella. This information could lead to fairly simple management solutions to any splash problem we identify. For example, cover crop residues or other mulches could be used to promote infiltration and reduce splash. Knowledge resulting from this project will allow vegetable producers that rely on overhead sprinkler irrigation to effectively address new rules the FDA may implement on safe agricultural water.</p>