Low-flying planes are used to chase flocks from sunflower fields, an effective technique when combined with other methods, such as pyrotechnic devices. Finally, bird-resistant hybrids are becoming more popular, as they are developed. Major producers are the FSU, Argentina, USA, China, France, and Spain. The large sunflower seed allows for deep seeding in dry conditions. It has a highly efficient root system, so it can utilize nitrogen and moisture from lower soil levels and thus can be grown in areas which are too dry for many crops.
Plants are quite drought-resistant except during flowering.
One reason that sunflower is grown so widely is its relatively short growing season, generally requiring 90 to 100 days from planting to maturity. The crop may be grown on a wide range of soils, including poor soils, provided they are deep and well-drained, but the plants don't like acidic or waterlogged soils. The high stalks remaining after harvest make excellent snow traps. Sunflower oil has been researched as a potential diesel fuel substitute. Most modern varieties are autogamous, able to produce seed without help from insect pollinators.