Editing Lentil (section)

===Seedbed requirements and sowing ===
The lentil requires a firm, smooth [[seedbed]] with most of the previous [[crop residue]]s incorporated. For the seed placement and for later harvesting it is important that the surface is not uneven with large clods, stones, or protruding crop residue. It is also important that the soil be made friable and weed-free, so that seeding can be done at a uniform depth.<ref name="CABI-2009" />

The plant densities for lentils vary between [[genotype]]s, seed size, planting time and growing conditions, and also from region to region. In South Asia, a seed rate of {{convert|30|to|40|kg/ha|lb/acre|abbr=off}} is recommended. In West Asian countries, a higher seed rate is recommended, and also leads to a higher yield. The seeds should be sown {{convert|3|to|4|cm|in|frac=4}} deep. In agriculturally mechanized countries, lentils are planted using [[Seed drill|grain drills]], but many other areas still hand broadcast.<ref name="CABI-2009" />