## 2 Lentil Production, Nutritional Challenges, and Sustainable Practices  
Lentils are a remarkable crop, adaptable to various environmental conditions, with numerous varieties exhibiting distinct morphological and compositional traits. Lentils are primarily categorized into two types: macrosperma (large-seeded) and microsperma (small-seeded) [3]. For instance, West Asian lentils have seeds 3-6 mm in diameter, while Mediterranean varieties range from 6 to 9 mm [4]. Lentil colors vary from green to yellow, orange, brown, or dark brown [4]. In 2022, global lentil production was approximately 6.66 million metric tons (mg) [13], representing 6.9% of the total global legume production [14]. Canada, India, Australia, and Turkey were the top four producers, with production volumes of around 2.30, 1.27, 1.0, and 0.45 million mg, respectively [13]. However, countries like Morocco and Italy have much lower production levels, at about 9979 mg [13] and 4216 mg [15], respectively. The grain yield per hectare varies with seeding time, cultivation methods, and regional conditions [16; 17]. Early seeding often leads to higher yields due to better moisture and temperature utilization [18]. Lentils can be grown in rain-fed and irrigated systems. Rainfed farming, common in regions with adequate rainfall, reduces water use but may lead to lower and more variable yields. Irrigation stabilizes yields but requires more water, potentially impacting the environment if not managed sustainably [19]. Geographical location significantly influences the environmental footprint. Regions like parts of Canada, India, and Australia, known for lentil production, face unique environmental challenges. In Canada, lentil farming is integrated into crop rotations, improving soil health and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers [20]. In India, lentils play a key role in traditional farming systems by fixing nitrogen and enhancing soil fertility, although practices like fertilizer and pesticide use can affect the overall environmental impact [21]. The environmental impact of lentil production has gained significant attention due to its potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security. As nitrogen-fixing crops, lentils enhance soil fertility [22] and crop productivity, especially in rotations with oilseeds and cereals [23; 24]. Lentil production offers several environmental benefits. By reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizers, both for their own growth [25] and subsequent crops [26], lentils contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, they enable reduced tillage and fuel use [27], decreased pesticide applications through crop rotation diversity [28], and minimized emissions from fertilizer leaching and soil carbon/nitrogen losses [29]. Moreover, lentil production promotes carbon sequestration by increasing soil organic carbon [30] and supporting land use changes that capture carbon previously allocated to feed production [31]. A recent life cycle assessment (LCA) [32] evaluated the cradle-to-farm gate environmental impacts of lentil production in the Canadian Prairie Provinces. The study, using the IMPACT World\({}^{+}\) standard method [33], identified the uses of fertilizer and fuel as the primary contributors to life cycle impacts. Water consumption was mainly attributed to fertilizer production, as lentils in these provinces are not irrigated. Land use was due to crop growth, despite relatively high average yields (1.62-1.84 mg/ha) [32]. It is important to note that regional variations in farming practices and conditions influence the environmental footprint of lentil production. For instance, average lentil yields in India are significantly lower (approximately 591 kg/ha) [34]. Despite varying environmental impacts across different geographical regions, lentils are processed into flour, snacks, soups, and a variety of traditional dishes in cultures worldwide [35].