Quick Overview
Harvesting lentil plant is a crucial step in ensuring a bountiful and nutritious harvest . Whether you ’re an experienced granger or a novice nurseryman , mastering the proficiency oflentil harvestingwill empower you to draw the rewards of your hard work . Thiscomprehensive guidewill provide you with all theessential knowledgeand best practices to harvest your lentil successfully .
Pre-Harvest Preparation
1 . monitor Maturity : Lentils are quick for harvest when the pods plow brown and dry , and theseeds rattle in spite of appearance . supervise yourlentil plant regularlyduring thegrowing seasonto settle the optimal clock time for harvesting.2 . Desiccation : Before harvesting , allow thelentil plantsto desiccate for about a week . Thisprocess imply cuttingoff irrigation or rainfall to dry out out the plants and make harvesting loose .
Harvesting Techniques
1 . Hand Harvesting : For modest - scale harvests , hand harvestingis a practical method acting . Use a pair of scissors to cut thelentil podsfrom the plants and collect them in a basket or bag.2 . Mechanical Harvesting : For larger harvests , mechanical harvestersare employed . Thesemachines cutand thresh thelentil plants , break the seeds from the pod .
Post-Harvest Handling
1 . Cleaning : After harvest , clean the lentils to get rid of any debris , stubble , orimmature seeds . Use a sieve orfanning millto part the seeds from the unwanted material.2 . dry out : Lentils should be dry out exhaustively toprevent spoiling . Spread them out on aclean surfaceor use a dehydrator to reduce theirmoisture contentto around 12%.3 . storehouse : stock lentils inairtight containersin a cool , teetotal , and well - ventilated area . right storehouse can preserve their lineament and nutritionary value for lengthy periods .
Troubleshooting Common Harvest Issues
1 . Premature Pod Drop : Iflentil pods drop prematurely , it could be due to drought stress , heat , or disease . secure right irrigation andtemperature managementduring the growing season.2 . Seed Damage : Mechanical harvesting can sometimes damage lentil seeds . Adjust the harvest equipment configurations tominimize breakageand ensure gentle handling.3 . downhearted Yield : pathetic land fertility , plague , or disease can lead tolow lentil yields . drill crop rotation , manage pestilence effectively , and utilize disease - resistant miscellany to improve yields .
Harvesting Calendar
Theharvesting timelineforlentils varies dependingon the realm and form . However , here is a cosmopolitan estimate :
Benefits of Harvesting Lentils
Questions We Hear a Lot
1 . Can Iharvest lentilsif the pods are still green?No , it ’s best to await until the pods are brown and dry for optimal seed quality.2 . How do Iprevent lentilsfrom splitting during harvest?Adjust theharvesting equipment settingstominimize breakageand handle theseeds gentlyduring cleaning and drying.3 . How long can I store lentils?Properly lay in lentils can last up to a year or more inairtight containersin a cool , wry place.4 . What are thenutritional benefitsof lentils?Lentils are fat in protein , character , Fe , folate , and other essential nutrients.5 . Can Igrow lentilsin a home base garden?Yes , lentil are easy to grow inhome gardenswith well - enfeeble soiland adequate sun .
