Lentils are characterised by limited competitiveness against weeds and relatively few herbicide options. At the same time, dense crop stands can increase the risk of disease development under favourable conditions. To better understand how seeding rate influences crop establishment, crop competitiveness and yield, Väderstad conducted a lentil seeding rate trial near Rosetown, Saskatchewan, Canada, using Seed Hawk air seeders. The trial evaluated how different plant populations performed under the growing conditions experienced in 2025.
Choosing the right lentil seeding rate is an important part of achieving a competitive crop stand. Lentils have limited competitiveness against weeds and relatively few herbicide options, making crop establishment particularly important.
A crop stand that is too thin may reduce the crop's ability to suppress weeds. A stand that is too dense can increase competition between plants and create conditions that favour disease development. The ideal lentil seeding rate should balance these competing factors.
Different lentil seeding rates influence crop establishment, canopy development and final yield. The trial focused on three practical questions:
The lentil seeding rate trial was conducted by GroWest Ag Ventures Ltd. in conjunction with J and J Winny Holdings near Rosetown, Saskatchewan, Canada.
The crop was established on 6 May using a Seed Hawk 80-12 equipped with a PD 980 Air Cart and a Single Side Band (SSB) seed knife.
Three lentil seeding rates were evaluated:
The season began with dry conditions during May, followed by substantial rainfall throughout the remainder of the growing season. These conditions supported strong crop growth but also increased weed pressure.
As the season progressed, differences between the lentil seeding rates became increasingly visible in terms of crop competitiveness and weed suppression.
The lentil seeding rate trial indicated that a seeding rate of 18 seeds/ft² produced the most favourable plant stand under the conditions experienced in 2025. This treatment delivered a clear yield advantage compared with both the lower and higher seeding rates.
The results also highlighted the importance of balancing plant population, crop competitiveness and plant survivability when determining an optimum lentil seeding rate.
The highest yield in the lentil seeding rate trial was achieved at 18 seeds/ft², producing 53.23 bu/ac. Data from 2025 field trial.
Seeding rate |
Spring survivability |
Yield |
|
12 seeds/ft²
|
99.3%
|
44.82 bu/ac
|
|
18 seeds/ft²
|
94.8%
|
53.23 bu/ac
|
|
24 seeds/ft²
|
86.1%
|
47.64 bu/ac
|
Spring survivability was highest at the lowest seeding rate and gradually decreased as seeding rate increased. The 12 seeds/ft² treatment achieved 99.3% survivability, while the 24 seeds/ft² treatment achieved 86.1%.
Despite lower survivability, the 18 seeds/ft² treatment produced the highest yield, suggesting that plant population and crop competitiveness played an important role in overall crop performance.
Researchers observed that differences between treatments became more apparent as weed pressure increased during the growing season.
The lentil seeding trial concluded that 18 seeds/ft² provided the ideal plant stand under the conditions experienced in 2025, combining crop competitiveness with strong yield performance.
The results suggest that maximising plant numbers does not automatically maximise yield. Under the conditions experienced in 2025, the intermediate lentil seeding rate delivered the strongest overall performance.
The findings also demonstrate the importance of accurate seed metering and placement. According to the trial, precise seed placement at 18 seeds/ft² provided the plant stand that maximised yield potential under the trial conditions.
As with all agronomic decisions, the optimum lentil seeding rate will vary according to growing conditions, weather patterns, soil type and management objectives.
The Seed Hawk air drill provides the most precise seeding technology on the market. Delivering unmatched seed and fertiliser placement in one pass, it is perfect for all soil conditions. The Seed Hawk Air Drill comes in widths ranging from 12,2 m (40’) to 25,6 m (84’). Seed Hawk Air Drills can be configurated for 254 mm (10”) or 305 mm (12”) row spacing.
To bring the highest level of technology and precision to your farm, Väderstad has developed the Precision Delivery line of air carts, featuring the PD 910, Väderstad’s largest and newest tow-between air seeder with a total capacity of 32,068 liters. With a wide range of innovative features such as Acres to Empty, In-field Calibration, and Fit to Field, the iCon Wireless Control system provides you with more detailed real-time information, increased automation, more customisable data, and optimised prescription mapping.
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