The experiment was carried out during the winter seasons (November–March) of 2003–2004 and 2004–2005 at the Central Research Farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (Latitude 22°58′N, Longitude 88°31′E and altitude 9.75 m amsl), Gayeshpur, India. The study site is situated in the tropical sub-humid climatic zone of eastern India. Average annual rainfall is 1560 mm and 75% of it is received during June first week to September last week. January is the coldest month with a mean temperature value ranges from 10.4 to 26.6 °C. The atmospheric mean temperature begins to rise towards the end of February and reaches maximum (24.3–36.6 °C) during May. Soil of the experimental site is classified as sandy loam, Aeric Haplaquept. Basic chemical properties of the surface (0–15 cm) soil were pH 6.75, organic carbon 5.4 g kg−1, available N, P2O5 and K2O as 85, 15.3 and 40 kg ha−1, respectively. Important soil physical properties of different horizons are presented in