Rapid root and shoot growth decrease the possibility of desiccation on windy days. The crop matures uniformly. Uniform maturity is especially important when mechanical harvesters are used. Seeds will not germinate until soil temperatures increase, or they will germinate sporadically over a period of several weeks. The ability of the seed to germinate at low temperatures varies with the variety, and some varieties take three weeks or more to germinate in 65 degrees F soils.
Seed treatments are available to enhance seed germination in the field.
Several procedures should be considered when choosing seed pretreatments. It is then handled as dry seed and planted by conventional methods. This method is used with large-seeded legumes to avoid damage that sometimes occurs from rapid water absorption. These seeds must be handled with extreme care and should not be allowed to dry out. Special equipment, called a fluid drill, is required for planting.