A near-neutral pH is preferred. If properly inoculated, lentil requires little to no nitrogen fertilizer. For optimum yields, available phosphorus needs to be in the 50 pound per acre range and potassium in the 200 pound range. Adequate levels of sulfur and molybdenum are also important. Drilling is preferred to broadcast seeding to obtain good stands.
Lentils are poor competitors with weeds.
Lentils reach maturity about 85 days after emergence. Most varieties can be combined directly if uniformly ripe. If seed ripeness is uneven, the plants may be swathed and dried prior to combining. Traditionally, lentils have been grown in rotations preceding fall-sown small grains like winter wheat. Like most beans, they do well after green manure crops, legume-grass hay crops, small grains, corn, and potatoes.