An aluminum access tube was installed between rows in each plot. Neutron moisture meter readings were made at weekly intervals from a depth of 30, 60 and 90 cm. Soil moisture at soil surface (0– 10 cm of soil depth) was measured using gravimetric method at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAE in the 2004/05 season only. Soil temperatures in the pod zone were recorded at mid-day at 60, 90 and 120 DAE using a thermometer.