The present work aimed at evaluating an alternative controller for automatic irrigation management systems with adapted tensiometers. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was cultivated under four levels of water deficit (psi) (15; 30; 45 and 60 kPa) and three irrigation management methods (M), two of them automated using tensiometers with a mercury vacuum meter (Hg) and tensiometers with a Bourdon vacuum meter (Vc), both adapted, and the third using conventional management with a portable digital tensiometer (Ts). The controller's operation was evaluated considering the applied volume, number of times the system started, yield and water use efficiency. It was observed that both yield and water use efficiency was not affected by the irrigation methods (5% of probability). The variable applied volume was affected (1% of probability) by the methods (M) and by the tensions (psi) as well as by their interaction (Mxpsi). Despite operating problems presented by the adapted Bourdon tensiometer/Bourdon-type tensiometer, the controller applied the right amount of water at the right time.
irrigation management; tensiometer; Phaseolus vulgaris L
