Rates and methods of applying urea to common beans

Abstract

The effect of rate and method of urea application on the yield of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. IPA-1) was evaluated on a Red-Yellow Latosol (Psamentic Haplortox) of Arapiraca and on a Solodic Planosol (Ustalf) of Igaci, both sandy-clay-loams located in the State of Alagoas, Brazil. Rates of 30,60 and 90 kg N/ha were applied placing the urea totally in the furrow at planting time; totally sidedressed twenty days after planting, mixed or not with the soil; or 1/3 of the amount in the furrow at planting plus 2/3 sidedressed twenty days after planting, mixed or not with the soil. Bean yield responses to nitrogen followed quadratic equations. In the Red-Yellow Latosol response to nitrogen occurred up to the rate of 66 kg N/ha, while in the Solodic Planosol the yield increased up to the highest applied rate of 90 kg N/ha. The relative yield increase for each site was 22% and 16%, respectively. Sidedressed application of the total amount of urea resulted in the lowest yields, whereas split application and furrow fertilization were the best and equally effective methods. No significant yield increase was observed by mixing the urea with the soil.