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Vegetables

Lentils

Lens culinaris

Lentils are annual legumes known for their high protein content and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. They are small, lens-shaped seeds that come in various colors including green, brown, red, and black. Lentils are a staple food in many cultures and are valued for their nutritional benefits, including being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Calculate System for Lentils
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Lentils are typically grown in rotation with cereals and other crops to improve soil fertility. Varieties include green, red, and black lentils, each with unique culinary uses.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be prepared to a fine tilth to promote good seed-to-soil contact. Incorporating organic matter can enhance soil fertility.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Lentils are sensitive to frost; planting should be timed to avoid late spring frosts.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Lentils Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Lentils field.

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Related Guides

Growing and Irrigating Lentils: A Sustainable Approach

Growing and Irrigating Lentils: A Sustainable Approach

Introduction Lentils are a type of legume that have been cultivated for thousands of years and are known for their high nutritional value. They are not only a staple food in many parts of the world but also offer numerous economic benefits for farmers. In this article, we will explore the best practices for growing…

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