Abstract
Objective: This study was conducted to identify the impact of various soil preparation technologies and seed application rates on crop yield and dietary value of lentil grown in the dry steppe zone of North Kazakhstan. Characteristics of crop and grain quality of different lentil grades as a function of seed application rates and various soil preparation technologies were studied. Materials and Methods: Three lentil grades, Vekhovskaya, Canadian Red and Wice Road, were sown at an application rate of 2.0, 2.2 or 2.5 million viable seeds ha–1. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted in accordance with the "methods of the state strain testing of crops". Results: The productivity level of the different lentil grades varied depending on varietal features and lentil seed application rates that ranged from 11.6-18.9 dt ha–1. All lentil grades in this study had excellent cooking qualities that scored between 4.1 and 4.8 out of 5. In terms of the economic efficiency, the highest efficiency was seen with low seed application rates. Conclusion: The best technology for lentil cultivation in North Kazakhstan involves minimal soil preparations and low rates of seed application.