The research showed that readings of transmittance obtained with portable chlorophyll meter can indicate timing of higher demand for nitrogen by plants, if there is need of N topdressing. This was the objective of this study. Were the following N management practices were evaluated for irrigated commum bean: M1: application of 240kg N ha-1, 80kg at sowing, 80kg 15 days after plant emergence and 80kg 30 days after plant emergence. m²: applying 120kg N ha-1 (30kg N at sowing + 45kg N 15 days after emergence + 45kg N 30 days after emergence); M3: Application of 30kg N ha-1 at sowing and N topdressing based on use of chlorophyll meter Minolta SPAD-502, and M4: control (without N). Experimental design was randomized complete plots with four treatments and five replications. Grain yield in the treatment based on the readings of portable chlorophyll meter (M3) was similar to treatment generally recommended to growers for irrigated dry bean (m²), however 60kg N ha-1 less was applied. Minimum critical levels of chlorophyll relative index to obtain 90% maximum grain yield of dry bean were 43 and 46 at 28 and 49 days after emergence of commum bean., respectively.
Nitrogen management; Phaseolus vulgaris; chlorophyll meter; chlorophyll; chlorophyll relative index; nitrogen sufficient index
