The impact of filter mud (FM) on the germination of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), maize (Zea mays), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and sesame (Sesamum indicum), and the nitrogen content of soil and sugarcane were investigated. Experiments were set up in 2004 at the Kenana Sugarcane Estate, Sudan. For this study, 1:0, 3:1,1:1,1:3 and 0:1 FM/soil (w/w) mixtures were used. The results showed that FM had no adverse impact on germination. Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen after 3 months increased with an increase in the FM content of the mixture. The impact of 100 t of dry FM was compared to a control without FM, and to inorganic nitrogen fertilizer applications of 0, 55,110,165 and 220 Kg N/ha. Cane yield, number of stalks, soil and leaf analysis results were determined after 6 months. FM treated soil gave a higher cane yield and stalk number. Leaf analysis showed no significant difference in nutrient content. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.