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A field experiment was laid out during winter seasons of 1994-1995 and 1995-1996 on deep black clayey soils (Vertisols) at Regional Research Station, Bijapur, in the northern dry zone of Karnataka State (Zone 3) of south India to evaluate the effect of cultural practices on soil moisture conservation, soil properties, root growth and yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolar L. Moench). Lay out of plots with in situ moisture conservation practices reduced bulk density, increased infiltration rate, porosity, improved root growth and grain yield of winter sorghum. Conservation and availability of higher amount of moisture and nutrients during various stages of crop growth with moisture conservation practices resulted in better crop growth with higher amount of dry matter production and its translocation to ear in winter sorghum. Compartmental bunding and ridges and furrows increased the grain yield by 22.8 and 25.6% (mean of 1994-1995 and 1995-1996), respectively, over flat bed with similar trend observed during 1994-1995 and 1995-1996. Among organic sources, incorporation of Leucaena loppings improved soil physico-chemical properties, conserved higher amount of moisture and increased winter sorghum yield to a greater extent than farmyard manure and vermicompost. Average grain yield (1994-1995 and 1995-1996) of winter sorghum increased by 11.7% with Leucaena application as compared to vermicompost. Grain yield increased significantly by 20% with application of 25 kg N ha(-1) and further increase in nitrogen dose up to 50 kg ha(-1), increased the grain yield by 30.5% in the pooled data. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.