OICC Press International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture 2251-7715 8 4 2019 02 27 Changes on soil structural stability after in natura and composted chicken manure application 10.1007/s40093-019-0250-1 EN Thadeu Rodrigues De Melo Department of Agronomy, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil Alex Figueiredo Department of Agronomy, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil Wesley Machado Department of Agronomy, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil Tavares Filho Tavares Filho Department of Agronomy, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil Journal Article 2019 02 27 Purpose Many studies evaluate the effect of successive applications of chicken manure on soil attributes. In Brazil, the commercialization of this waste is common, implying on its sporadic use instead of many applications at the same area. The short-term effects of a single application of chicken manure and the role of its composting on soil structural stability are not fully understood. This study investigated application of in natura (uncomposted) and composted chicken manure on the structural stability of a Rhodic Ferralsol after a short period following single application.Methods The experiment was performed in a Rhodic Ferralsol in Londrina, Paraná. Brazil. We applied in natura and composted chicken manure at doses of 4.5, 9.0, 13.5, and 18.0 Mg ha−1 plus a control without application. Soil samples were collected after 185 days at the 0.0–20.0 cm layer for laboratorial analysis.Results The composting of chicken manure did not afect soil structural stability. Chicken manure did not alter water-dispersible clay (x̄ = 21.7%), but increased the mean weight diameter of water-stable aggregates (MWD=5.43+0.068×dose) through the agglomeration of aggregates with 0.5–4 mm into 8–19 mm.Conclusion Even after a short period of 185 days, the application of chicken manure increases the structural stability of Rhodic Ferralsols and its composting, in the way performed by many farmers, is not associated with the improvement of soil structural stability in short-term. However, other advantages arise from the composting of the manure and need to be considered prior its use.