A preliminary trial with dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was conducted at Ribeirão Prêto, State of São Paulo to compare the effect of manure and mineral nitrogen, in presence of PK, when applied just after emergence or 22, 42, and 62 days afterwards. The responses to PK and PK + manure were very poor. The effect of mineral nitrogen reached +81% when it was applied soon after emergence, but decreased considerably as the applications were delayed. Urea, ammonium sulphate, and nitrocalcio (ammonium nitrate + calcium carbonate) as well as urea in a 1% solution gave similar results. The degree of nodulation was generally low, but relatively better when nitrogen application was delayed. In spite of inducing better nodulation, late application of nitrogen reduced the yield considerably.