Effects of Different Pre-Soaking Durations on Germination and Growth of Green Lentil (Lens culinaris L.) Microgreens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different pre-soaking durations on the germination and growth performance of green lentil (Lens culinaris L.) microgreens. Untreated green lentil seeds were soaked in distilled water under dark conditions for 0 (control), 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours before cultivation on vermiculite substrate. Microgreens were grown under controlled environmental conditions with a 16/8 h light-dark photoperiod, white LED illumination (550 nm), and constant temperature and humidity. Growth parameters were recorded on the 9th day after sowing. Results revealed that pre-soaking duration had a significant effect on shoot height, root length, and germination rate (p < 0.05). The highest shoot height (9.85 cm), root length (12.61 cm), and germination rate (90.7%) were obtained from seeds soaked for 48 hours. In contrast, prolonged soaking (72 h) caused a slight decline in all parameters, likely due to oxygen limitation or metabolic stress during extended water exposure. In conclusion, a 48-hour pre-soaking period was determined to be optimal for maximizing germination and early growth performance of green lentil microgreens. This treatment enhances both shoot and root development, suggesting its practical use in sustainable microgreen production systems.