Excess application of paper mill sludge (PMS) in field can limit phosphorus uptake by crops because aluminum presented in the sludge can fix or adsorb available phosphorus which is necessary for crop growth. To investigate phosphorus (P) adsorption characteristics of PMS, we examined P adsorption maximum $(X_m)$ using Langmuir isotherm and P adsorption energy constant $(K_f)$ using Freundlich isotherm for PMS without alum, PMS with alum, and composted PMS with alum through a laboratory incubation test. The maximum P adsorption capacities were 800 ${mu}g;g^{-1}$ in soil, 47 $mg;g^{-1}$ in PMS without alum and 61 $mg;g^{-1}$ in PMS with alum. P adsorption capacity with alum treatment for PMS increased by 30%. That of PMS compost was 68 $mg;g^{-1}$ and showed that composting increases 11% of P adsorption. Freundlich constant $K_f$ was 22 in check soil, while $K_f$ values in PMS without alum and in PMS with alum were 398 and 426, respectively. After composting, $K_f$ value of PMS compost significantly increased as 1,819. In conclusions, p adsorption capacity for PMS were increased by alum treatment or composting and therefore excess or continuous land application of alum-amended or composted PMS can limit P uptake for crops by reducing available P in sell.