Surface rolling flattens clods and ridges caused by sowing or press wheels. It also presses rocks and sticks into the soil leaving a flat surface to allow easier harvest. This reduces harvest losses, harvester wear and contamination in the seed sample. Sowing with modern disc machines may eliminate the need to roll lentils. Beneficial trellising effects of standing cereal stubble may be lost or reduced by rolling lentils.

Rolling is usually done post sowing, but can be from pre-emergence to the 4-5 leaf stage. Avoid rolling lentils when plants are just emerging as the young shoots can be damaged. A rubber tyre roller is best, used when soil is moist but not too wet or dry....

Rolling may have to be delayed until the crop has emerged if the soil is prone to hard setting or crusting, or if prone to erosion on sandy or sloping country. The safest time to roll lentils post emergence is at the 3-5 leaf stage. Roll in warmer conditions when the plants are limp, and not brittle from cold or frosty conditions. Choose an afternoon or a warmer day to minimise any crop damage. Avoid rolling two weeks before or after applying a post-emergent herbicide.

Rolling flattens clods, ridges and rocks to assist harvest. Clods need to have been rolled.