In-situ rainwater conservation practices in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) under rainfed conditions in arid regions

A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons 2003–2005 at Pali, Rajasthan, India to study the effects of rainwater conservation practices in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] under rainfed conditions. The experiment comprised of a field bunding and no bunding (Control) and four rainwater conservation practices. Sorghum growth and yield attributes significantly increased with adoption of rainwater conservation practices. Field bunding significantly increased mean sorghum grain by 10.5% and stover yield by 10.7% over control in two years. Insitu rainwater conservation practices significantly increased sorghum grain and stover yields over control. Inter paired row water harvesting (IPRWH) proved significantly superior over other treatments. Highest mean grain yield of 1320 kg ha⁻¹ and stover yield of 4.71 t ha⁻¹ was recorded with IPRWH and was significantly higher by 63 and 25% over flat bed. Significantly higher harvest index, water use efficiency, net returns and B: C ratio were also observed with IPRWH over other insitu rainwater conservation practices. Field bunding and pair row sowing coupled with in situ rainwater conservation practice found promising for successful cultivation of dual purpose sorghum in this region.