This study was conducted with the objective of determining the effect of the position of the seed at the botton of the planting row on seed germination and emergence. Seeds of soybean and common bean were sown in sand at five different positions: (1) with the hilum pointing downward; (2) with the hilum pointing upward: (3) Ieaning on one of the cotydledonary faces; (4) with the radicle pointing upward; and (5) with the radicle pointing downward. For common bean, the best germination performance was obtained when seeds were sown wilt the hilum pointing downward or leaning on one of the cotyledonary faces. For soybean, best results were obtained when the seeds were sown with the radicle pointing downward, with yhe hilum poinying upward, or leaning on one of the cotyledonary faces. During sowing, seeds of soybean or common bean mosi frequently lean on one of the cotyledonary faces when laid in the seedbed. Therefore, this position is considered as the most adequate for seeds of both species.