Changes on soil structural stability after in natura and composted chicken manure application

Purpose Many studies evaluate the effect of successive applications of chicken manure on soil attributes. In Brazil, thecommercialization of this waste is common, implying on its sporadic use instead of many applications at the same area. Theshort-term effects of a single application of chicken manure and the role of its composting on soil structural stability arenot fully understood. This study investigated application of in natura (uncomposted) and composted chicken manure on thestructural 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 compostedchicken manure at doses of 4.5, 9.0, 13.5, and 18.0 Mg ha−1 plus a control without application. Soil samples werecollected after 185 days at the 0.0–20.0 cm layer for laboratorial analysis.Results The composting of chicken manure did not affect soil structural stability. Chicken manure did not alter water-dispersibleclay (̄x= 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 ofRhodic Ferralsols and its composting, in the way performed by many farmers, is not associated with the improvement ofsoil structural stability in short-term. However, other advantages arise from the composting of the manure and need to beconsidered prior its use.