Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Early Access

Effect of mudpress as organic fertilizer on selected soil properties and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.8708
Submitted
6 April 2025
Published
06-01-2026

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient composition of an organic fertilizer derived from sugarcane sludge (mudpress), its impact on selected soil properties and efficacy in improving cowpea yield. The study was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Isabela State University, San Mariano campus, from February to April 2017. The organic fertilizer was a mixture of mudpress, poultry manure and carbonized rice hull in a 6:3:1 ratio. The efficacy of this fertilizer on cowpea was evaluated through treatments: 20-40-45 kg nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ha-1 as per the recommended rate, 20 bags of organic fertilizer ha-1 and combinations of organic fertilizer with full and half rates of inorganic fertilizer, with the untreated plants that served as the control. The organic fertilizer contained substantial amounts of NPK, which significantly impacted soil pH, organic matter content and microbial count. The combination of organic fertilizer with full and half rates of inorganic fertilizer resulted in the highest cowpea yields, ranging from 5.80 to 5.86 t ha-1. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of organic fertilizer in improving soil quality and enhancing crop yield, highlighting the potential for agricultural waste to be transformed into productive resources. The findings promote efficient management and utilization of agricultural wastes, providing a sustainable solution to environmental concerns while enhancing agricultural productivity. The technology and data generated can support organic agriculture initiatives (RA 10068) and solid waste management (RA 9003), benefiting researchers, organic advocates and farmers in the Philippines.

References

  1. 1. Adas A. Beneficial effect of biosolids on soil quality and fertility. UKW/ROI/SL/08/2; 2000.
  2. 2. Banerjee MR, Burtonz DL, Depoe S. Impact of sewage sludge application on soil biological characteristics. Agric Ecosyst Environ. 1997;66(3):241–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(97)00129-1
  3. 3. McGrath SP, Brookes PC, Giller KE. Effects of potentially toxic metals in soil derived from past applications of sewage sludge on nitrogen fixation by Trifolium repens L. Soil Biol Biochem. 1998;20(1):415–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/0038-0717(88)90052-1
  4. 4. Powlson DS. Impact of heavy metals on soil quality with respect to microbial activity and production of crops. Soil Sci Dep IACR, Rothamsted, MAFF Project Code SP0120; 2002.
  5. 5. Akmal LS, Adetunji MT, Ojeniyi SO, Ewulo BJ, Adeyemo AJ. Comparative and cumulative effect of cocoa pod husk and poultry manure on soil and maize nutrient content and yield. Am-Eurasian J Sustain Agric. 2005;2(1):92–7.
  6. 6. Jamil M, Qasim M, Zia MS. Utilization of pressmud as organic amendment to improve physico-chemical characteristics of calcareous soil under two legume crops. J Chem Soc Pak. 2008;3(1):145–50.
  7. 7. Yasin M. Impact of pressmud as organic amendment on physico-chemical characteristics of calcareous soil. Sarhad J Agric. 2001;26(4).
  8. 8. Sardar S, Ilyas SU, Malik SR, Javaid K. Compost fertilizer production from sugar press mud (SPM). Lincoln (UK): University of Lincoln; 2023. https://hdl.handle.net/10779/lincoln.24807291.v1
  9. 9. Rakkiyappan P, Thangavelu S, Malathi R, Radhamani R. Effect of biocompost and enriched pressmud on sugarcane yield and quality. Sugar Tech. 2001;3(3):92–6. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03014569
  10. 10. Ano AO, Agwu JA. Effect of animal manures on selected soil properties: II. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Niger J Soil Sci. 2006;16:145–50.
  11. 11. Krishmakumar V, Verma SK. Influence of use of organic manure in combination with inorganic fertilizers on sugarcane and soil fertility. Indian Sugar. 2005;52(3):177–81.
  12. 12. Brookes AR, Giglou R, Taleshmikail RD. Influence of vermicompost on soil chemical and physical properties. Afr J Biotechnol. 1986;7(14):2397–401.
  13. 13. Sinha S. Comparing vermicompost and composts. Biocycle. 1993;39:63–6.
  14. 14. Lalfakzuala A, Sachan RS. Dynamics of soil microbial population influenced by wastes of sugar and yeast industries in a mollisol. Indian J Environ Toxicol. 2009;12:1–5.
  15. 15. Priya T, Reddy M, Umadevi PC, Rao VB, Bhanumurthy V. Effect of fly ash and farm yard manure on soil enzyme activities and yield of rice grown on an Inceptisol. Crop Res. 2001;34(1–3):27–31.
  16. 16. Khaleel R, Reddy KR, Overcash MR. Changes in soil physical properties due to organic waste applications: A review. J Environ Qual. 1981;10:133–41. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq1981.00472425001000020002x
  17. 17. Lindsay BJ, Logan TJ. Field response of soil physical properties to sewage sludge. J Environ Qual. 1998;27(3):534–42. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq1998.00472425002700030009x
  18. 18. Cameron KC, Di HJ, McLaren RG. Is soil an appropriate dumping ground for our wastes? Aust J Soil Res. 1997;35(5):995–1035. https://doi.org/10.1071/S96099
  19. 19. Tyler G. Heavy metals in soil biology and biochemistry. In: Paul EA, Ladd JN, editors. Soil biochemistry. Vol. 5(1). CRC Press; 1981. p. 371–414.
  20. 20. Lombin LG, Adepetu JA, Ayolade KA. Complementary use of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer in arable crop production. In: Lombin LG, Adepetu JA, Ayolade KA, editors. Organic fertiliser in Nigerian agriculture: present and future. Proceedings of the National Organic Fertilizer Seminar, Zaria, Nigeria. Abuja, Nigeria: Federal Ministry of Science and Technology; 1992. p. 146-62.
  21. 21. Ramaswami PP. Sixth Dr. D.P. Motiramani Memorial Lecture*: Recycling of agricultural and agro-Industry wastes for sustainable agricultural production. J Indian Soc Soil Sci. 1999;47(4):661–5.
  22. 22. Manguiat IJ. Sewage sludge: turning an environmental pollutant into an agricultural resource [Professorial Chair Lecture]. Laguna (PH): University of the Philippines Los Baños; 1997. https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/professorial_lectures/791
  23. 23. Wortmann CS. Sewage sludge utilization for crop production. Lincoln (NE): University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture; 2005.
  24. 24. Rodriguez ME, Kabana PO. The effect of different management practices on the soil physical properties and maize production in severely degraded soil in southern Nigeria. Bioresour Technol. 1994;51:117–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/0960-8524(94)00103-8
  25. 25. Rulkens W. Sewage sludge as a biomass resource for the production of energy: Overview and assessment of the various options. Energy Fuels. 2008;22(1):9–15. https://doi.org/10.1021/ef700267m
  26. 26. Veeken A, De Wilde V, Woelders H, Hamelers B. Advanced bioconversion of biowaste for production of a peat substitute and renewable energy. Bioresour Technol. 2003;92(2):121–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2003.09.003
  27. 27. Wells A, Nierop K, Wilde V, Hamelers B. Characterization of NaOH-extracted humic acids during composting of a bio-waste. Bioresour Technol. 2000;72:33–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-8524(99)90096-2
  28. 28. Brady NC, Weil RR. The nature and properties of soils. Agron J. 1952;44(12):645. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj1952.00021962004400120013x
  29. 29. Schneider C, Gold R, Reiners K, Toyka KV, Na DL, Okuma Y, et al. Book reviews/Announcements. Eur Neurol. 2001;46(2):112–3. https://doi.org/10.1159/000050781
  30. 30. Mbagwu JSC, Piccolo A. Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus concentration in aggregates of organic waste-amended soils. Biol Wastes. 1990;31(2):97–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/0269-7483(90)90164-N

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.