Heavy textured soils should be avoided. If crusting is a problem, rotary hoeing at a slow speed may be helpful. Row spacing should be based on the cultivator equipment available. A number of planter types have been used successfully to deal with the small seeds of amaranth. Set the drill for a seeding rate of five pounds per acre.
Little data are currently available on the pH and fertility requirements of amaranth.
Consideration of the pH requirement of rotational crops should also influence the lime recommendation for amaranth. The fertility requirements of amaranth appear to be intermediate between small grains and corn and probably are similar to sunflower. P and 160 to 240 lbs. 2 O 5 or K 2 O recommended on the soil test report. However, amounts greater than those are needed to sustain high yield levels.