Experiments and a survey were conducted to assess the potential of quick te
sts for evaluation of N status of bean and sweet corn crops grown for proce
ssing in Quebec (Canada). Merckoquant test strips and the Nitracheck reflec
tometer were used for NO3-N quantification. Nitrogen fertilization was appl
ied at 5 rates. N-min contents at sowing were relatively low both in commer
cial fields or experimental plots. NO3 thresholds in sap at 3 weeks after s
owing could be used as a way to quantify topdressing N applications but thi
s NO3 content can vary from year to year. Chlorophyll-meter readings were n
ot correlated to N application at a crop development stage early enough to
adjust side dressed N applications. Bean was shown to leave a higher N-min,
after harvest than sweet corn and may produce a higher N loss to the envir
onment.