Sarhad J. Agric. Vol. 26, No.

4, 2010

565

IMPACT OF PRESSMUD AS ORGANIC AMENDMENT ON

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CALCAREOUS SOIL
SAID GHULAM*, MUHAMMAD JAMIL KHAN*,
KHALID USMAN**, and HABIB UR REHMAN***
*
**
**

Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, D. I. Khan, KP, Pakistan
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, D. I. Khan, KP, Pakistan
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, D. I. Khan, KP, Pakistan

ABSTRACT
In order to asses the impact of pressmud (a waste by-product from sugar factories) as organic
amendment on physico-chemical properties of calcareous soil, a field study was conducted at the experiment
station of Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, D. I. Khan during 2007-2008. The experiment was laid out
in a Randomized Complete Block Design, having four replications. The treatments were (1) control, (2) NPK
(30:60:45 kg ha-1), (3)2 t ha-1 pressmud, (4) 4 t ha-1 pressmud (5) 6 t ha-1 pressmud, (6) 10 t ha-1 pressmud (7) 15
t ha-1 pressmud (8) 20 t ha-1 pressmud. The soil was calcareous (time 6.3%), (pH 8.1) and low in organic matter
content (8 g kg-1). The pressmud used in this experiment was rich in micronutrients such as Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and
also contained sufficient amount of Ca, Mg and Na. Therefore, the addition of pressmud increased the available
P, S, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu content in soil in addition to increase in total porosity of soil. On the other hand, there
was small increase in ECe , and small decrease in bulk density and pH of the soil as a result of increasing levels
of pressmud application. It was concluded from the study that the application of pressmud @ 15 to 20 t ha-1 would
be the most suitable dose for improving the physico-chemical properties of calcareous soil.
Key Words: Organic wastes, Pressmud, Calcareous Soil, physico-chemical characteristics
Citation:
Ghulam, S., M. J. Khan, K. Usman, and H. Rehman. 2010. Impact of pressmud as organic
amendment on physico-chemical characteristics of calcareous soil. Sarhad J. Agric. 26(4): 565-570
INTRODUCTION
Organic matter is known to improve soil health and availability of plant nutrients. Although some of the
organic wastes are utilized to some extent in agriculture but most of them are either burnt or remain unutilized,
especially in developing countries. Both of the later practices not only pose serious threat to the environments, but
also result in the loss of useful nutrient pool which otherwise can be made available to plant. Organic materials
are available in huge amounts in the form of farm waste, city waste (sewage and sludge), poultry litter and
industrial wastes (food, sugar, cotton and rice industry). The continuous accumulation of these wastes is becoming
a potential source of land, water and air pollution. In urban areas, less than 60 per cent waste is collected. No city
in Pakistan has proper waste collection and disposal system (Economic Survey, 2006).
Pressmud or filter cake, a waste by-product from sugar factories, is a soft, spongy, amorphous and dark
brown to brownish material which contains sugar, fiber, coagulated colloids, including cane wax, albuminoids,
inorganic salts and soil particles. By virtue of the chemical composition and high content of organic carbon, the
usefulness of pressmud as a valuable organic manure has been reported by several workers (Nehra and Hooda,
2002; Jamil et al. 2008; Ramaswamy, 1999). Reddy (2002) reported that the sugar press residue (SPR) or
pressmud is a potential source of major minerals (Ca-2.40 %, P-1.27 %, K-1.81 %, Mg-1.28 %, S-2.62 %) as well
as trace elements (Cu-22.6 ppm, Fe-2042.0 ppm, Zn-36.5 ppm, Mn-228.0 ppm). Razzaq (2001) also reported that
substituting chemical fertilizers with sugarcane filter cake in crop production will add sulfur and boost up O. M.
status of soil to satisfactory level within 5-6 years and improve and maintain soil health.
The soil application of pressmud as organic fertilizer is widely practiced in Pakistan and India. It may be
due to the fact that it has got sufficient amount of crop nutrients and improves soil physico-chemical properties.
Pressmud is a good source of organic matter, NPK and important micronutrients and has established its
importance in improving fertility, productivity and other physical properties of agricultural soils (Rangaraj et al.,
2007) and (Kumar and Verma, 2002). Therefore, land application of this industrial waste for crop production

Said Ghulam et al. Impact of pressmud as organic amendment on physico-chemical

566

provides a feasible and cost effective disposal alternative (Nirmala and Sachan, 2002). El-Keltawi et al. (2003)
also stated that the application of organic wastes derived from sugar cane industry (Filter mud cake and El
Takamolia) enhanced the plant growth and production of local roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) cultivar. They also
concluded that filter-mud-cake or El-takamolia could be utilized as naturally organic alternatives to the
traditional farmyard manure, especially in the new reclaimed sandy soil. Prabhakar et al., (2007) concluded that
grain and straw yield of rice was significantly increased with fly ash, FYM and their interactions.
Regular additions of organic materials such as sugar industry wastes including pressmud, municipal biosolids,
animal manures and crop residues are of utmost importance in maintaining the tillth, fertility and productivity of
agricultural soils (Solaimalai et al., 2001). They also protect the soils from wind and water erosion, thus preventing
nutrient losses through runoff and leaching. Pressmud or filter cake is one of the important organic wastes capable of
supplying sufficient amount of plant nutrients to soil,due to its favourable effects on soil texture, structure, organic
matter contents, the water holding capacity and aeration of soil. The higher amount of NPK in pressmud has made it a
valuable nutrient resource (Rakkiyappan et al., 2001). Ram et al., (2007) reported that the application of LFA (alone
and in combination with press mud) improved soil quality and the nutrient content of the produce. In pressmud there is
large amount of organic matter, and abundant amount of important micronutrients such as Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. In
calcareous soils , on the other hand, both organic matter and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn) are deficient.
Therefore, press mud will more likely improve the micronutrient distribution and enhance microbial activities.
Thousand of tones of press mud produced annually cause great disposal problems for the sugar industry and
environmentalists. Recently it is being used as fertilizer in agriculture and for crop production (Tandon, 1999). No
studies have been conducted in Pakistan to know the effect of pressmud on the physico-chemical properties of
calcareous soil of D.I. Khan. This study was therefore carried out to evaluate different doses of press mud used as
organic fertilizer, and its impact on soil health, and quality attributes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sampling and Laboratory Analysis of Soil and Pressmud
Pressmud was collected from the waste disposal site of Chashma Sugar Mills (Pvt) Ltd. D. I. Khan, and
transferred to the soil testing laboratory at old Campus of Gomal University. Soil samples were collected from 030 cm depth from the experimental site, air dried, and ground to pass through a 2mm sieve. All the samples were
analyzed for its physico-chemical characteristics, according to the methods described by Page et al. (1982) and are
listed in Table I.
Field Experiment
In order to assess the effect of pressmud on calcareous soil, the field experiment was carried out in 3
replications (one replicate each year) at the experiment station of Faculty of Agriculture,, D.I.Khan during 2007-08. A
Randomized Complete Block Design with 4 replications and 8 treatments was carried out each year for 3 years.. Sub
plots (5.0 m x 3.0 m) were established in the field such that the rows were arranged along the longer side of the sub
plot. Plant spacing was 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants within a row. Each plot received a Pressmud
treatment before planting. The six pressmud treatments were: 2, 4, 6, 10, 15 and 20 t pressmjud ha -1. An additional
treatment having recommended dose of N:P:K (30:60:45 kg ha-1) was also included in the experiment. Mung beans
were sown on June 26, 2007, while Lentil was sown on November 18, 2007. All the subplots were irrigated regularly.
Normal cultural practices and pesticide treatment were carried out during the growing season. Mung beans and lentils
were harvested on October 12, 2007 and March 28, 2008, respectively.
After harvesting the soil samples were collected from each subplot and analyzed for physico-chemical
characteristics, according to the methods described by Page et al. (1982).

Treatments
C = Control (without NPK and pressmud), F = fertilizer (only NPK) @ 30:60:45 kg ha-1
P= Pressmud
P1 = 2 t ha-1, P2 = 4 t ha-1, P3 = 6 t ha-1, P4 = 10 t ha-1, P5 = 15 t ha-1, P6 = 20 t ha-1.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The data in table I indicates that the soil used in this research had sandy clay loam texture, alkaline pH (8.1),
very low organic matter content (8000 mg-1) and low macro and micro nutrients. The pressmud, on the other hand, had
slightly lower pH (7.8) but higher amount of organic matter (210,000 mg-1 than soil. The available P, K in press mud
were also higher compared to soil.

Sarhad J. Agric. Vol. 26, No. 4, 2010

Table-I

567

Physico-chemical characteristics of soil and press mud

Characteristics

Units

Textural Class
Dry Bulk Density
Total Porosity

Soil

Press mud

Value

Value

gm cm -3

Sandy Clay Loam

1.32

-----------

50.00

------

8.1

7.8

dSm-1

0.39

2.2

pH
E Ce

-1

CaCO3

mg kg

63000

------

HCO 3

mg kg-1

90

9150

CO3

mg kg

-1

28

------

mg kg-1

86

4822

SO4

mg kg

-1

31

1992

Soluble Na

mg kg -1

64

750

++

Ca Mg

++

mg kg

-1

91

5442

O.M

mg kg-1

8000

210000

Total N

mg kg -1

310

20000

Available P

mg kg -1

8.2

13000

Available K

mg kg

-1

161

19500

Cu

mg kg-1

4.5

64

Fe

mg kg-1

4.0

322

Mn

mg kg-1

7.0

298

Zn

mg kg-1

4.2

125

Effect of Pressmud on Physico-Chemical Characteristic of the Soil

The data revealed that the application of different doses of pressmud affected the physico-chemical
characteristics of the soil positively (Table II).The increasing level of pressmud application from 2 t ha -1 to 20 tones ha-1
decreased the dry bulk density of the soil and increased the Total Porosity. Highest bulk density and lowest porosity was
recorded in the treatments where no pressmud (control) was applied or its rate of application was low. Soil pH decreased
with the additional increament of pressmud beyond 2 t ha-1, while ECe increased with an increase in pressmud application
rate. Soil pH in the control treatment was 8.1 which droped to 7.8 in treatment receiving highest level of pressmud (20
tones ha-1). These results are in accordance with the findings of More (1994) who reported that all the treatments decreased
the pH of the soil, increased nutrients availability and crop yield. Similar results have been reported by Rajinder and
Mandeep (2007) who reported that the application of organic manures (FYM, Poultry manure and pressmud) decreased
the soil pH while increased the electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil.
Table-II Effect of press mud on physico-chemical characteristics of the soil
Treatments
Physico-chemical characteristics of the soil
Textural Class

Control
Fertilizer (NPK)
P1 (Pressmud 2 t ha -1)
P2(Pressmud 4 t ha -1)
P3(Pressmud 6 t ha -1)
P4(Pressmud 10 t ha -1)
P5(Pressmud 15 t ha -1)
P6(Pressmud 20 t ha -1)

Sandy
Sandy
Sandy
Sandy
Sandy
Sandy
Sandy
Sandy

Clay
Clay
Clay
Clay
Clay
Clay
Clay
Clay

Loam
Loam
Loam
Loam
Loam
Loam
Loam
Loam

Dry Bulk
Density
(g cm -3 )
1.32
1.32
1.32
1.32
1.30
1.30
1.28
1.28

Total
Porosity (%)

pH

ECe
(dsm -1 )

50.00
50.00
50.00
50.20
50.20
50.40
50.40
50.60

8.1
8.1
8.1
8.0
8.0
7.9
7.9
7..8

0.39
0.39
0.42
0.42
0.46
0.50
0.55
0.53

Said Ghulam et al. Impact of pressmud as organic amendment on physico-chemical

568

Effect of Pressmud on Soil Fertility

The data revealed that effect of different treatments of pressmud on soil fertility parameters and nutrient
availability was quite remarkable (Table III). Organic matter, total nitrogen and available P and K increased
progressively with increasing rates of pressmud application. The highest values were registered at the highest level
(20 tones ha-1) of pressmud application. However, the lowest values were observed in the control treatment. Organic
matter content of the soil increased from 8000 (control) to 8590 (20 tones ha-1) mg kg-1. This has a positive effect on
soil physical properties. The total N of the soil also positively affected by the different doses of pressmud. In control
the total N was 310 mg kg-1 while in 20 tones ha-1 application of pressmud increased the values of total N to 840 mg
kg-1. Available P and K also showed significant increase with application of different doses of pressmud.
Micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) content of soil also showed prominent increase in their availability. These results
are in accordance with the findings of (Rangaraj et al., 2007) who reported in their research experiment that agro
industrial wastes (pressmud,coirpith and farmyard manure) as organic manures favourably improved soil organic
matter, microbial population and enhanced the soil macro (N, P, K) and micro nutrients (zinc, copper, manganese
and iron). Rajinder and Mandeep (2007) who reported in their research work that application of organic manures
(FYM, poultry manure and pressmud) decreased the soil pH while electric conductivity (EC) of the soil increased.
Organic C content of soil decreased from its initials values, when only NP fertilizers were applied and increased
significantly with application of organic manure alone or with NP fertilizers. The application of organic manures
with or without NP fertilizers could not sustain the original level of N. However their application increased the
available P, K and DTPA extractable Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu content of soil. Application of P, K and micronutrients can be
avoided with application of organic manures. Razzaq (2001) also reported in his research work that substituting
chemical fertilizers with sugarcane filter cake in crop production will add sulfur and boost up O. M. status of soil to
satisfactory level within 5-6 years and improve and maintain soil health. Yaduvanshi and Swarup (2005) suggested
that application of P, K, and micronutrients should be avoided with organic manures. They concluded that organic
manures decreased the soil pH and SAR over inorganic fertilizer. Ram et al. (2007) reported that pressmud
improved soil quality and increased crop yield.
Table-III
Treatments

Effect press mud on soil fertility parameter

Control
Fertilizer (NPK)
P1 (Pressmud 2 t ha-1)
P2(Pressmud 4 t ha-1)
P3(Pressmud 6 t ha-1)
P4(Pressmud 10 t h-1)
P5(Pressmud 15 tha-1)
P6(Pressmud 20 tha-1)

O.M

Total N

8000
8000
8160
8300
8410
8480
8560
8590

310
340
400
460
590
680
820
840

Soil fertility parameters

Available
Available
Cu
P
K
mg kg-1
8.2
161
4.5
24
173
4.5
52
186
5.0
106
205
5.0
161
219
5.5
220
234
6.0
296
251
6.5
312
270
6.5

Fe

Mn

Zn

4.0
4.0
4.0
4.5
4.5
5.0
5.0
5.0

7.0
7.0
7.0
7.5
7.5
8.0
8.0
8.0

4.2
4.2
4.2
4.8
5.4
6.0
6.5
6.5

Effect of Pressmud on Soil Cations And Anions Content

Soil cations and anions content were also affected by various treatments (Table IV). There was tremendous
increase in bicarbonate content of soil with increasing levels of pressmud application. However, carbonate
contents slightly affected and improved by various pressmud treatments. Like bicarbonate Cl-1 in the soil
registered remarkable increase due to increasing rates of pressmud application. Sulphates also increased in the soil
with increasing levels of pressmud application but the increase was not as conspicuous as that of HCO3 and Cl-1.
Sodium and Ca + Mg concentrations also increased with increasing rates of pressmud application. Datta et al.
(1983) concluded from their research work that pressmud increased the mung bean yield and exchangeable Ca,
Mg and P contents in the soil.

Sarhad J. Agric. Vol. 26, No. 4, 2010

569

Table-IV Effect of press mud on soil cations and anions content

Treatments
Soil cations and anions content
HCO3CO3-ClSO4--

Ca++ +
Mg++

Soluble Na+

91
96
102
108
118
147
180
184

64
66
73
81
96
111
127
136

mg kg-1
Control
Fertilizer (NPK)
P1 (Pressmud 2 t ha-1)
P2(Pressmud 4 t ha-1)
P3(Pressmud 6 t ha-1)
P4(Pressmud 10 t ha-1)
P5(Pressmud 15 t ha-1)
P6(Pressmud 20 t ha-1)

90
112
140
186
232
261
320
332

28
28
28
28
30
32
32
33

86
112
140
186
224
280
342
358

31
48
76
94
128
143
181
196

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In this study the laboratory analysis of soil sample showed that organic matter and macro and micro
nutrients were high in sugar industry pressmud, its application improved the physico-chemical characteristics of
soil was improved by application of press mud and also favorably influenced the soil environment. Thus it could
be concluded that application of pressmud @ 15 to 20 t ha-1, could be recommended as the most suitable dose of
pressmud for improving physico-chemical characteristics of calcarious soil of Dera Ismail Khan, KP, Pakistan.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are extremely thankful to the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan for funding the
project.
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