Lentils are well suited to no-till, reduced tillage and stubble retention systems. Sow at the correct depth (5-10 cm) to ensure seed-to-soil contact for good emergence and improved safety to post-sow pre-emergent herbicides. Lentils sown between rows of standing cereal stubble often remain erect at harvest. Lentils can be successfully dry sown, providing problem weeds such as medic are not going to be an issue and a level seed surface can be safely achieved before herbicide application.

Sow lentil seed into a friable soil ensuring good seed-to-soil contact. Retention of adequate plant residue on the surface is important to protect the soil from erosion both during growth and after harvest and reduces soil water evaporation in early growth stages. Retention of cereal stubble does not affect lentil germination or growth, and can improve establishment on hard setting, surface crusting soils. Stubble clumps cause seed placement and harvesting difficulties.

Sufficient moisture and a level soil surface must be present at application for some soil active broadleaf herbicides to be fully effective and to avoid crop damage. Leave the soil surface flat to minimise herbicide damage and assist harvest by ensuring that clods or stones don't enter the harvester.

Good even crop establishment.