PRODUCTIVITY OF LAMPAKAN TARO (Colocasia esculenta) AS AFFECTED

BY THE APPLICATION OF INCREASING RATES OF MUDPRESS

Presented to the Committee on Research of the College of Agriculture

Cagayan State University Piat, Cagayan

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements

For Graduation for the Degree

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE

(Major in Crop Science)

Ludivina Alejandro

Cristalyn T. Cagurangan

Shella Mae Catubag

 Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Root crops are commonly referred to as 'famine crops' and are extensively grown

across various countries on all continents (Pardales et al., 2002). Several studies indicate

that root crops contain numerous phytochemicals contributing to health benefits

(Burlingame et al., 2009; Navarre et al., 2009; van Jaarsveld et al., 2006; Bhandari et al.,

2003; Chen et al., 2003).

Taro, scientifically known as Colocasia esculenta, belongs to the Arum family. It ranks as

the fourth most important root crop in terms of production by weight and the second most

significant staple root crop in consumption. Taro is a major crop in the country and serves

as an alternative source of carbohydrates in mountainous areas where rice cultivation is

impractical. Despite the Philippines ranking among the top 11 producers (Onsay et al.,

2022), the country has witnessed a decline in taro plantations, estimated at 14,992.84

hectares in 2020. The Department of Agriculture's 2021 annual report highlights a 9.2%

decrease in total production compared to the previous year, attributed to factors such as

land conversion, crop nutrition, varietal selection, and pest/disease infestation.

Most locally produced taro is solely for personal consumption, resulting in inadequate

care and attention to its cultivation. Nutrition plays a crucial role in crop growth and

development, emphasizing the need for adequate fertilization to maximize taro yield.

However, the immediate accessibility of all necessary nutrients for plants through

continuous use of inorganic fertilizers leads to soil organic matter degradation, soil

acidity, and environmental pollution (Roba, T. B. 2018). This issue can be addressed by

utilizing organic fertilizers and mulching materials to improve taro yield.

Lampakan, a taro variety predominantly cultivated in Nueva Vizcaya within the Cagayan

Valley Region, is valued for its tuber, leaves, stalks, and runners, primarily for human

consumption. Lampakan, usually grown in upland environments with fertile, well-drained

soil, serves not only as a vegetable but can also be processed into flour, flakes, and

animal feed. Known for their abundance in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and

phytochemicals, studies demonstrate their medicinal properties such as diuretic, anti-

inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Despite these beneficial characteristics, lampakan

remains less popular, especially among the younger generation (Miranda et al., 2015).

Farmers' dependency on inorganic fertilizers for plant nutrients has driven up production

costs and led to soil degradation and environmental pollution over recent years. The

pursuit of alternative, safe natural sources of plant nutrients, such as organic fertilizers,

becomes crucial. Organic fertilizers, derived from the thorough decomposition of plant

and animal waste, contribute to nutrient addition in the soil for absorption. Additionally,

continuous application of both solid and liquid organic fertilizers is believed to restore

soil fertility and promote the proliferation of beneficial soil microbes aiding in organic

matter degradation.

Mudpress, a byproduct from sugarcane milling after juice extraction in refineries, serves

as a commonly used organic fertilizer in agriculture. Rich in essential plant nutrients like

nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients, mudpress significantly improves

the agronomic and yield characteristics of various crops when applied at different rates.

Hence, further investigation into the impact of different mudpress application rates on the
agronomic and yield characteristics of lampakan taro (Colocasia esculenta) is imperative

to ascertain the optimal application rate for this specific crop.

Objectives of the Study

Generally, the study aims to determine the response of Lampakan taro cultivar as

affected by the application of different rates of mudpress.

Specifically, the study aims to:

1) Determine the agronomic characteristics of lampakan taro as affected by the

application of different rates of mudpress in terms of:

a) Number of leaves per plant

b) Herbage weight

2) Determine the yield and yield component of lampakan taro as affected by the

application of different rates of mudpress in terms of:

a) Number of tubers produced per plant

b) Weight of tuber per plant

c) Yield per plot

3) Determine the cost and return analysis of the different treatments tested

Scope and Delimitation

The study will focus mainly on the effect of applying different rates of mudpress

on the agronomic and yield characteristics of lampakan taro. The study will be conducted

at the experimental site of Cagayan State University Piat on January 2024 to October

2024. The study will be terminated after 1 cropping season.

 Chapter II

Review of Related Literature

Roots and Tubers in General (Kenyon et al., 2006). The production of roots and

tubers in developing countries is projected to increase by 58% (232 million tonnes) to

635 million tonnes between 2003 and 2020, with cassava increasing by 44 %, potato

29%, sweet potato 27% and yam 27% (Scott et al (2000, 2). For cassava and potato, food

demand will outpace feed demand whilst the situation will be reversed for sweet potato.

Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to experience the fastest growth in demand for all roots

and tubers over this period (ibid).

Yield, Consumption and Utilization of Yam (Kenyon et al., 2006). On a world

scale, yams represent less than 10% of all root and tuber crops produced and, of these,

75% are grown in West Africa. Of the five target countries included in this study, only

Nigeria and Ghana grow significant quantities of yam, though Tanzania is reported to

produce some 11 x 103 Mt pa (Nigeria = 26 x 106 Mt pa). Yield of yams in Ghana has

increased from about 5 Mt/ha in the late 1980s to about 14 Mt/ha in 2004. The pattern of

yields over the last 40 years in Nigeria is difficult to interpret (Chart 11), though the

gradual decline in yield from about 12 Mt/ha in the late 1980s to about 8 Mt/ha in 2004

has been attributed the use of shorter fallow periods and use of more marginal lands for

yam production because of demand to feed the increasing human population. In Tanzania,

where yams are mainly a low-input, food security crop grown on a very small scale,

yields are reported to have remained relatively static at about 6 Mt/ha. Yams are relatively

more expensive to grow compared to the other root crops because they require staking in

many areas, and they require greater labour input for land preparation (clearing and
mounding), stake-tying and careful harvesting. Yams are essentially carbohydrate foods

with relatively high protein and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) content compared to cassava or

sweet potato. By far the greater part of the world's yam crop is consumed fresh; the tubers

are commonly eaten as a vegetable either boiled, baked or fried. “Fufu”, a stiff,

gelatinous dough (= pounded yam) prepared by pounding boiled tuber pieces in a mortar,

is the preferred form in most of West Africa. Under tropical conditions sound tubers will

store for up to about four months depending on variety and species, and thus extending

the shelf-life through drying or other processes has not had such a high priority with yam

as it has with cassava or sweet potato. However, injured tubers are often peeled, sliced

and sun-dried soon after harvest to extend their useful life. The dried slices are generally

milled into flour (often brown/purple in colour due to oxidation of phenolics during

drying) which is reconstituted with water and boiled to produce “Amala” (in Nigeria). To

a limited extent, yam flour is also produced in Ghana where the reconstituted dough is

known as “Yam Kokonte”. Traditionally, processed yam products are made in most yam-

growing areas, usually as a way of utilising tubers that are not fit for storage.

According to Roba, T.B. 2018, Organic fertilizers have more benefits in the long

run compared to inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizer improves physical, biological,

and chemical properties of a soil but the nutrients may not be as readily available to the

plants. However, inorganic fertilizer is usually immediately and fast containing all

necessary nutrients that are ready for plants. The excess use of inorganic fertilizers in

agriculture can lead to soil deterioration, soil acidification and environment pollution.

The integrated soil fertility management system is an alternative approach for the

sustainable and cost-effective management of soil fertility and is characterized by

reduced input of inorganic fertilizers and combined use of inorganic fertilizers with

organic materials. Combined applications of organic and inorganic fertilizers improve

soil fertility, productivity and reduce the impact of inorganic fertilizer on environment.

So, it is an alternative way for sustainable soil fertility and productivity.

According to Onsay et al., 2002, Those who live below the poverty line usually

engage in taro farming, while those who live just over the poverty line mainly engage in

marketing. Men are associated with manufacturing, whereas women are associated with

marketing. Farmers frequently choose the less profitable transaction path due to the

perishability of the crop. Agriculture and processing technology are both deficient and

unavailable. It is consequently advised that the governments and NGOs’ efforts and

activities for farmers to achieve higher production levels be shifted. Low production

indicates that the taro industry in the Partido district is not being fully utilized. As a

result, government funding should be made available to help farmers obtain the farm

supplies they need to increase productivity. Apart from that, it may be deduced that

logistics, as a non-value-adding component, has reduced returns while providing no

advantages. As a result, a technical mechanism can lower or eliminate non-value-added

costs.

According to Kaushal et al., 2015, Tubers are important sources of carbohydrates

as an energy source and are used as staple foods in tropical and subtropical countries.

They are generally processed into various forms before consumption. Processing makes

them digestible and palatable, extends the shelf life and reduces post-harvest losses. Taro

(Colocasia esculenta) is a tropical tuber crop largely produced for its underground corms

contain 70–80 % starch and the corms of Colocasia antiquorum contain anthocyanins
such as cyanidin-3-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-chemnoside

which were reported to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Taro

consumption has been affected by the presence of acridity factors, which cause sharp

irritation and burning sensation in the throat and mouth on ingestion. Taro is rich in gums

(mucilage) and small sizes of starch granules makes it a highly digestible which is used

for the preparation of various foods. The present paper deals with reviewing the

nutritional, antinutritional and utilization of Taro into the various food products.

According to Temesgen et al., 2015, The term taro is used to refer to Colocasia

esculenta (L.). It is a family of Aracea cultivated for its edible corms. Taro is used as a

staple food or subsistence food by millions of people in the developing countries in Asia,

Africa and Central America. Taro has much importance in ensuring food security, in

earning foreign currency as being a cash crop and also as a means for rural development.

Nutritionally, Taro contains more than twice the carbohydrate content of potatoes and

yield 135 kcals per 100 g. Taro contains about 11% protein on a dry weight basis. This is

more than yam, cassava or sweet potato. Many authors also stated that the protein content

of taro is higher than the other root crops in leaves and tuber respectively. It contains 85-

87% starch on dry matter basis with small granules size of 3-18 µm and other nutrients

such as minerals, Vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin better than other cereals. Taro

leaves, like higher plants, is rich in protein. The high protein content of the leaves

favourably complements the high carbohydrate content of the tubers. In other parts of the

world, the leaves of Colocasia esculenta have been reported to be rich in nutrients,

including minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins like vitamin C,

thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. High levels of dietary fibre in taro are also advantageous
for their active role in the regulation of intestinal transit, increasing dietary bulk and

faeces consistency due to their ability to absorb water. Most rural peoples suffer from

malnutrition not because of the economic status but because of inability to utilize the

available nutritious raw materials to meet their daily requirements. Now a day, zinc

deficiency is widespread and affects the health and well-being of populations worldwide

and since taro is one of the few non-animal sources of zinc, its utilization should

therefore be pursued to help in the alleviation of zinc deficiency which is associated to

stunting.

Pressmud compost (Kumar et al., 2017)

The organic byproduct from sugar mills is called pressmud which is utilized to

provide a nutrient rich, high quality organic matter when it apply to the soil as manure

results in better sustainable yield. Pressmud is soft, spongy, amorphous and dark brown

white material containing nitrogen, cellulose, lignin, protein, sugar fiber, and coagulated

colloids including cane wax, albuminoids, inorganic salts and soil particles and all other

carbon containing components available in the final product which are suitable for bio-

fuel and fertilizer production. The application of 20 t/ha pressmud saved 25% of the

recommended fertilizers and shows significant residual effects on the succeeding crops.

Contains 25-30% Organic matter. Contains Major plant nutrients like N, P, K, Ca, Mg &

S and Minor elements like Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, B & Mo. Saves the cost on inorganic

fertilizers by 15- 20%, Improves the structure, texture & quality of the soil, Improves the

water holding capacity of the soil as this compost contains fibrous material like

decomposed coir waste & other Agriculture biomass. Minimizes the water like

requirement of the crop to some extent, Rich in Beneficial Microorganisms which aid in
mineralization of plant nutrients in the soil and make them amenable to the plant roots,

These microbes produce Enzymes, auxins and other growth Regulators, amino acids and

many other organic acids which help in the proliferation of the Root hairs & Lateral roots

of the Tap root/Fibrous root system and rectifies the micronutrient deficiency of the soil,

increases the biomass yield of crop.

Microbial biomass of pressmud compost Organic residues of appropriate quality

and quantity act not only as sources of nutrients and organic matter but also may increase

the size, biodiversity and activity of the microbial populations in soil. Diverse

populations of soil bacteria, fungi, protozoa and algae play a crucial role in soil quality

and sustainability. Pressmud compost is rich in beneficial microorganism which aid in

mineralization of plant nutrients in the soil with rectifies the micronutrient deficiency of

the soil and makes them amenable to the plant roots. These microbes produces enzymes,

auxins and other growth regulators, amino acids and many other organic acids which help

in the proliferation of the root hairs & lateral roots of the tap root/fibrous root system and

finally increases soil health and crop productivity in sustainable manner.

Effect of pressmud on soil properties

Physical properties

Regular additions of organic materials such as pressmud compost, municipal bio

solids, animal manures and crop residues are of most important in maintaining the tilth,

fertility and productivity of agricultural soils. Pressmud or filter cake is one of the

important organic byproduct of sugar industry which capable of supplying sufficient

amount of plant nutrients to soil, due to its favorable effects on soil texture, structure,
water holding capacity, infiltration, soil porosity, hydraulic properties, bulk density of soil

and can be linked to most of the fundamental soil properties , however, these

accompanied by improvements in soil aggregate stability, and these physical environment

of the soil ecosystem are critical for a healthy soil and sustainable agriculture. The higher

amount of NPK in soil has made it a valuable nutrient resource, which is due to increased

SOM by adding pressmud compost. Addition of pressmud improves soil aeration and

drainage in heavy soils, whereas in sandy soils it helps in improving the retention of

moisture. When added to agriculture fields it increased the cane yield, improved the juice

quality and enhanced the ammonifying power of the soils.

Chemical properties

Pressmud obtained from sulphitation process is acidic in nature and hence can be

applied on alkaline soils whereas pressmud obtained from carbonation process contains

lime which is useful in acidic soils. Thousands tons of press mud produced annually

cause great disposal problems for the sugar industry and environmental however; recently

it is being used as fertilizer in agriculture and for crop production to mitigate the

environmental pollution and increased soil health. In pressmud there is large amount of

organic matter, and abundant amount of important micronutrients such as Zn, Cu, Fe and

Mn, therefore, press mud will more likely improve the micronutrient distribution and

enhance beneficial microbial activities within soil system. Soil organic matter encourages

granulation, increases cation exchange capacity (CEC) and is enhance the adsorbing

power of the soils up to 90% with producing cations such as Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ during

decomposition. Composted pressmud contain essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen

(N), phosphorus (P) and a number of micronutrients in higher concentrations than in

agricultural soils, thus they have a demonstrable fertilizer value and have been used to

replace or partially replace inorganic fertilizers to increase soil N, available P and

exchangeable potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). Continued

decomposition of more stable organic N sources as pressmud compost, over a sustained

period regulates the subsequent mineralization of available N in soil which is balanced by

partial biological immobilization by soil microbes and this balance provides a residual

source of N available for plant uptake. The CEC (capacity to retain and exchange cations)

of soils is measured as the sum of exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, sodium (Na) and aluminium

(Al) cations present per unit weight of soil, however; the level and balance of these ions

are important factors in structural stability, nutrient availability, pH and the soil reaction

to fertilizers and other amendments. As the pressmud, it is rich in Potash and Phosphorus,

use of composted material with Potash Mobilizing Bacteria (Frateuria aurantia) and

Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria increases the availability of K2O and P2O5 in the

wastes. This may be used later like other organic amendments. Biological properties Soil

organic carbon is a complex and heterogeneous mixture of materials. These materials

vary in their physical size, chemical composition and degree of interaction with soil

minerals and extent of decomposition. An industrial waste like Pressmud is taken as

fertilizer to increase organic carbon in soil, with an intention of utilizing the waste and

building up organic carbon in the soil. Application of pressmud greatly increased

bacterial and fungal population of soil. Enhancement in fungal, bacterial and

actinomycetes populations by application of pressmud in agricultural soils mark their

roles in decomposition of organic materials to release nutrients for plants growth and

development. Furthermore, the higher C biomass and N contents in the soils treated with
pressmud showed changes in soil organic matter content caused by microbial enzymatic

activities. Pressmud application was responsible for a large increase in the number of

non-sporeforming bacteria and various fungi including Neurospora crassa, Trichoderma

viride, Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. An increase in the spore forming fungi Bacillus

and Actinomycetes, which have a positive influence on soil aggregate stability, was

observed in the final stage during composting of pressmud. It is important to recognize

that the best soil and crop management practices is to achieve a more sustainable

agriculture through enhanced growth, numbers and activities of beneficial soil

microorganism that, in turn, increase, yield and quality of crops. Pressmud compost does

not include any substances which are unfavorable for microbial action. It also includes

plant growth regulators, hormones, auxins, enzymes and vitamins resulting in

improvement of soil aeration and better root proliferation. Microbial biomass is not only

used as an indicator of soil quality, it is the main agent that also controls the cycling of

important nutrient elements such as C, N, P, S and other nutrients in terrestrial

ecosystems. Soil microorganisms play a vital role in soil environment. They are critical

factors that determine soil organic matter decomposition, nutrients cycling, soil

degradation and bioremediations of soil pollution. Shifts in the structure and composition

of microbial community are strong indicators of soil biological activity, soil quality and

crop productivity of terrestrial agro-system. Addition of pressmud organic manure under

different moisture regimes brought out significant changes in microbial activity in terms

of microbial population and dehydrogenase activity over control. Amongst the various

treatments, application of press mud resulted in the highest microbial C and N, this might

be due to the microbial activities long time storage duration and acted as an energy source
for the autochthonous microorganisms of pressmud, which also significantly increased

the microbial numbers (fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes) and total C and N contents in

the soils.

Effect of pressmud on sustainable crop production

Soil health is deteriorated because of low organic matter in our soils owing to

reduced use of organic manures and rapid decomposition of organic materials as a result

of increasing high temperatures due to climate change and drier conditions as result of

rapid deterioration of resource base and declining sustainability of agriculture. Thousands

tones of pressmud, which is produced annually cause great disposal problems for the

sugar industry and environmentalists. Recently, it is being used as organic fertilizer

source in agriculture and for crop production. Sugar byproducts being organic in nature

are rich source of macro and micronutrients and can be recycled to prevent their disposal

in the environment, thus sustaining the balance between economic development and

environmental protection. The application of press mud in agriculture field significantly

improved the fertility status by enhancing soil C and N contents of soil. Lower C/N ratios

in the amended soils indicated higher N mineralization by microbial activities. Reported

that application of pressmud compost to agricultural fields is likely to improve soil health

by adding macro and micronutrients and organic matter to soil ultimately crop

productivity. Observed that the pressmud compost application increased the phosphorus

use efficiency by wheat (20-48%) and greengram (12-90%) as compared to single super

phosphate. It was also reported that the compost increased the quality of grains by

increasing the protein and Ca contents. Pressmud applied to sugarcane along with N, P

and K fertilizers significantly increased the yield of cane and also quality of rice found
that combined application of 5 tones of pressmud significantly increased sunflower seed

yield, seed protein and oil contents as compared to without pressmud. Pressmud is added

to fields as organic amendment, which enhances organic matter content of soil, improves

soil physical conditions and also acts as a soil conditioner. The high amount of NPK

contents has made it a valuable nutrient source. Along with luxurious amount of organic

matter, important micronutrients like Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn are also abundant in pressmud

compost, which are deficient in calcareous alkaline soils. Therefore, press mud is very

efficient in improving the micronutrients distribution and enhancing microbial activities.

Therefore, on the basis of its usefulness established by these investigations, it could be a

very good organic fertilizer and soil ameliorating source for sustaining crops and soil

productivity in changing climatic environments. Pressmud as carbon sequester Along

with the international efforts it is necessary to carry out mitigation and adaptation

programs at the local level to understand the dynamics of global warming and contribute

to mitigating the climate change. Agriculture is a very diverse industry where a multitude

of products are being cultivated and produced. Most of this burning result from

household burning of materials, as a fuels source, field burning and release of greenhouse

gases (GHGs) and black carbon (C) into the atmosphere, because of no foreseen value.

When these materials are burned, there is a loss of many beneficial things that could

otherwise be used for beneficial purposes. Plus, there is the Since the times of the

industrial revolution, there has been a significant increase in the amount of carbon

dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4) and other GHGs found in the

atmosphere. It is essential to ensure that the SOC that is being placed in the soil remains

there and is not subjected to quick decomposition. The SOC that is being added to the soil
can be comprised of many types of residues from plants, animals, and microbes. Positive

amendments in agricultural practices can lead to a better soil carbon sequestration.

Agricultural practices can help to increase the rate of soil carbon sequestration is 89.41%

in soil carbon levels after application of pressmud. Pressmud is a product which can be

used as good organic manure when composted properly. The application of sugarcane

pressmud is also at low cost with a slower release of nutrients and trace element, high

water holding capacity and mulching properties. Application of pressmud as an organic

manure shows 150% increase in organic carbon after first application, as level of initial

organic carbon in soil is very low, i.e. 0.66% and it has the potential to store more carbon.

During subsequent cropping season it shows the increase in organic carbon content by

36.36% and 30.67% respectively. After application of pressmud 3.5 times increase

observed in level of organic carbon is achieved one time increase in level of organic

carbon than the initial level after the use of pressmud as mulch. It proves that by adopting

improved agricultural practices one can boost the rate of soil carbon sequestration and

elucidate the role of organic matter in farming practices, not only for the betterment of

soil, but also for mitigating climate change.

According to Cagasan, U., & Placido, J. A. (2020), Organic waste, such as

mudpress or filter cake, is generated as a by-product of sugarcane industries and

characterized as a soft, spongy, amorphous, and dark brown to brownish material,

(Ghulam et al. 2012). It is generated during the purification of sugar by carbonation or

sulphitation process. Both the processes separated clear juice on top and mud at the

bottom. In general, when 100 tons of sugarcane is crushed, about 3 tons of mudpress are

produced as a by-product (Gupta et al. 2011). It is considered as rejected waste material

of sugarcane industries that cause problem of storage and pollution to surrounding of

sugar mills on its accumulation (Bhosale et al. 2012). Organic sources have traditionally

played an important role in maintaining soil productivity. Among the organic sources,

crop residues are most easily available for recycling of the macro- and micro-nutrients

(Dotaniya and Kushwah, 2013). Incorporation of these materials in soil could be a good

source of nutrients and would influence agricultural sustainability by improving physical,

chemical, and biological properties of soil (Mitani and Ma, 2005). The addition of

organic acids to soils increases the plant uptake of phosphorus from water-soluble

phosphorus fertilizers (Shukla et al. 2013).

According to Vallejera et al., 2014, One of the best contributions of applying

organic materials to the soil is that, it increases the soil organic matter content. Vermicast

and mudpress contained high amounts of OM than swine manure and chicken dung

(Figure 1) indicating that the former (vermicast and mudpress) are a much better source

of OM than the latter (swine manure and chicken dung).

According to Sardar et al., 2012, Compost produced from biological wastes does

not contain any chemicals unfavorable to living soil. This organic fertilizer is also one of

them which contain phosphate, nitrogen solubilizing bacteria and decomposing fungi,

which is co-friendly and protect the plants from various soil borne diseases. Results of

trial based production of Compost at large scale is discussed. Different ratios of sugar

press mud (SPM), Molasses and Rock Phosphate was mixed, piled and transformed in to

Compost products in about 14-21 days. Single super phosphate (SSP) & Sulfur mud was

also added and investigated to increase the Phosphoric components of Compost to

produce a good quality of biofertilizer. In the end, granulation of this bio fertilizer was
also investigated at different temperatures using Rotary dryers to produce grains for the

ease of farmers.

According to Mdiaz, P. 2016, Organic fertilizers derived from Sugar Press Mud

(SPM) yields better production of crops. Sugar press mud or the sugarcane filter-cake is

the residue of sugarcane industry which results from the processing of sugarcane where

sugar mud is separated from the crush. The total supply of sugar press mud varies from

(1-7) kg from the processing of 100 kg of sugarcane. Sugar filter cake is used as a

suitable fertilising agent since it is rich in micro and macro nutrients along with organic

carbon. It is eco-friendly and protects the plants from various soil borne diseases. Press

mud compost does not include any substances which are unfavourable for microbial

action. In certain cases, press mud is mixed with other organic fertilizers to yield enriched

compost. Whatever the case, the resultant press mud should not be added to the soil

directly as it affects the welfare of human health due to the fast growth rate of pathogenic

fungi. These are the disease causing microbes whose growth rate must be inhibited. The

review deals with the physical, chemical and microbial functions on the press mud

resulting in excellent bio-fertilizers. Enriched press mud is mixed with gibberellic acid to

inhibit the growth of toxic chromium which affects the metabolism of plants. The fields

which are ineffective by the over use of chemical pesticides can be brought into control

by constant use of bio-fertilizers such as press mud. Usage of chemical pesticides may

destroy the insects causing damage to the fields, but its impact over the health of living

beings is tremendous. Press mud, on the other hand, is safe and very effective in

producing income and killing certain insects affecting the crops as well.
 According to Septyani et al., 2019, The addition of sugarcane filter press mud

compost and dolomite can improving chemical properties of Ultisols especially pH value

(1.1 unit) decreasing Aluminum, total N 0.45%, organic C 2.19%, available P 37.14 ppm,

CEC 22.04 cmol.kg-1 . Addition sugarcane filter press mud and dolomite increased

growth of oil palm seedling. Application of 12.75 t.pot-1 gave the optimum growth of oil

palm seedlings. It showed that the crop height increased by 51.56%, leaves by 47.63%, N

content by 2.26 %, P content by 0.18 %, and K content by 1.44 % compared to control.

According to Chattha et al., 2019, Press mud compost application in a major

cereal as wheat was benefcial for both crop and soil characteristics. This is the premise

for reducing farmers’ reliance on mineral fertilizers. However, PMC alone could not

assure maximum wheat growth and fnal top yield. Therefore, the conjunctive use of PMC

and mineral fertilizers was shown a worthwhile approach to improve soil fertility and

crop productivity. The use of PMC should be adopted on a permanent basis for long term

efects. It is expected that soil fertility and crop productivity will be more sustainable with

the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers than the sole application of

inorganic fertilizers.

According to Sangwan et al., 2010, Disposal of industrial sludge is a serious

problem. Vermi-composting can be an alternative technology for the management of

press mud. The final product was more stabilized as there were significant reductions in

the C:N ratios. This contribution provides a basis for the utilisation of press mud in

vermicomposting after mixing in appropriate quantities with CD. Our results demonstrate

that if PM is mixed with up to 50% CD and vermicomposted using Eisenia fetida, it will

be converted to a good-quality value added product i.e. vermicompost. The study

concludes that if vermicomposting technology is adopted by the sugar mills, it will help

in two ways: a waste product is converted into a value-added product and the disposal of

an industrial pollutant in open dumps and sanitary landfills can be reduced.

According to Ranveer et al., 2015, A combination of pressmud and cow dung in a

1:1 ratio was suitable to produce a valuable organic soil amendment through

vermiconversion with P. Ceylanensiswithin 60 days. Vermicomposting has a low capital

investment and is a sustainable processvermicompost can be generated in 1/3 the time as

regular compost. vermicomposts was found to helps increase a plant’s resistance to

disease. The theory is that all the microbes present compete for the nutrients in the soil

and make it harder for the harmful microbes to survive.Vermicomposting of sugar

industry wastes with cow-dung signicantly reduced the C/N to »10 within 40

days.Vermicomposting has a low capital investment and is a sustainable process. Once

worm composting is started the worms will reproduce, never needing replacement. In

fact, a successful vermicompost may produce enough worms to supply others.

 Chapter III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Materials

The following materials will be used in the experiment: lampakan tubers/corms,

growing media, fertilizers (inorganic and organic), and mudpress, measuring devices

(weighing balance scale, meter stick or tape measure, ruler) record book, pen, and

placards.

Collection of Soil Sample and Analysis

Soil samples will be randomly collected within the experimental area. Ten (10)

composite soil samples will be gathered in the whole experimental site in a zigzag

orientation. Samples will be air-dried for about three (3) days and after which, one-

kilogram soil sample will be thoroughly pulverized, cleaned, and sieved before packing it

into a clean zip lock. The samples will be submitted to Cagayan Valley Integrated

Agriculture Laboratory (CVIAL) at Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City for nutrient analysis. The

soil recommendation will be used as baseline data in the total amount of fertilizer to be

applied in each treatment.

Securing of Planting Materials

Planting materials will be source out in the locality where lampakan cultivar

thrives. This will be done by buying the plantlets or corm at least 2 weeks prior to the

conduct of the study.

Preparation of Mudpress

Fully decomposed mudpress will be applied in the experiment, thus, mudpress

will be gathered in the areas near Universal Robina Corporation in Sto Domingo where
the said material is dumped. The organic material will be applied with compost fungus

activator (CFA) which will be requested from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to

hasten its decomposition. The application of compost fungus activator will be done once

a week and will be end after 3 months. A fully decomposed mud press must have no foul

odor and must be black in color.

Land preparation

The experimental area consisting of 600 m2 will be prepared by plowing and

harrowing with at least one (1) week intervals. This will be undertaken to attain good soil

tilth and aeration to facilitate planting and to ensure better crop growth and development.

An elevated experimental plot measuring 4mx5m will be constructed to accommodate the

different treatment combinations. Holes will be made prior to planting.

Fertilizer Application

Mudpress shall be applied basally following the above treatment combination. To

account for the total amount of mudpress to be applied per plot, fertilizer computations

shall be made. Once the mudpress is per plot, it will be constantly turned before planting.

Experimental Design and Treatment

The experiment will be laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design

(RCBD) with 4 replications. There will be 20 plots to be established following a

measurement of 4mx5m per plot. An alleyway of 1m between plots including blocks will

be observed. The following treatments will be as follows:

Treatment 1- Control (No application)

Treatment 2- 2 tons/ha

Treatment 3- 4 tons/ha
Treatment 4- 6 tons/ha

Treatment 5- 8 tons/ha

Seedling Production

A plot measuring 1m x 10 m and raised at 25 cm from the ground will be will be

prepared for seedling production. The said area will be mixed with compost, garden soil,

and carbonized rice hull following a ratio of 1:1:1. The lampakan taro cultivar will be

used in the study. Tubers of the said cultivar will be subdivided using a sharp knife to

separate the different eyebud of the propagule. The propagules will be planted in furrows

and will be watered to hasten the production of roots. Seedlings will be nursed in the

nursery for about 21 days prior to planting.

Transplanting

Transplanting will be done after 21 days from tuber planting or when plants have

at least four (4) true leaves. This will be done late in afternoon to minimize transplanting

shock. Plants will be spaced 50 cm in between hills and 75cm apart in between furrows at

one (1) seedling per hill.

Water management

Irrigation will be done as the need arises using equal amount of water per plant to

minimize bias results.

Pest Management

Hand-picking and spraying of double-action insecticides will be done to control

the occurrence of insect pests during the conduct of the study.

Harvesting

Crops will be harvested with a use of sharp bolo. The surrounding area of the

plant will be cultivated until it will reach the main tubers of the crop, by this stage, crops

will be uprooted with bare hands.

Statistical Tool

All data will be analyzed using the Statistical Tool for Agricultural Research. The

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the Tukey’s Honest Significance Difference (HSD)

test at 5% and 1% will be used to determine the significance of the different treatments.

Data to be Gathered

1. Number of leaves per plant- this will be done by counting the total number of leaves

produced by taro from crop establishment up to harvesting.

2. Herbage weight- this will be done by weighing the harvested material during harvest

3. Number of tubers produced per plant- this will be undertaken by counting the total

number of tubers produced per plant from crop establishment up to harvesting

4. Weight of tuber per plant- this will be done by weighing all the tubers producer per

plot

5. Yield per plot- this will be undertaken by weighing all the tubers produced per plot and

will be estimated in tons per hectare by using the principle of ratio and proportion.
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