Soil requirements for lentils

Lentil is one of the less selective legumes in terms of climate and soil features. It can be grown to altitude of 3000 meters. On the other hand, the seed yield per area decreases when the altitude increases. Lentil requires annual rainfall greater than 300 mm.

Lentil does best on level or slightly rolling land in soil with pH levels of 6.0 to 8.0, and lentil plants do not do well on waterlogged soils and will not tolerate flooding or salinity.

It is important to avoid water accumulation on the surface and water logging of the soil, especially at seeding time.

Soil needs to be heavy and deep enough to hold sufficient water to finish the season. Soil needs to be friable without setting excessively hard on the surface. The sandy-loam soils are the most suitable for lentil growth.

Excess moisture before the plant is in full bloom can delay and reduce seed set, and excess moisture near the time of harvest encourages the spread of fungal diseases.

Lentil seedlings can produce a new node every four to five days under good growing conditions. Leaves are about 5 cm long with nine to 15 leaflets.
Soil requirements for lentils