Wherry & Sons (United Kingdom)

Abstract Controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) were originally developed to exploit the benefits of agronomic safety, increase nutrient efficiency, and reduce application frequency. However, CRFs also provide a vehicle for minimizing potential nutrient losses to the environment. Heightened attention to environmental concerns has prompted increased worldwide activity in the development and commercialization of CRFs.This article reviews 25 controlled release fertilizer technologies that are commercially available. They are categorized as either nitrogen reaction products or coated fertilizers. Nitrogen reaction products include urea‐formaldehyde reaction products, IBDU, CDU, oxamide, and melamine. The coated fertilizer section reviews coatings of sulfur, polymer, and hybrid products combining sulfur and polymer. Polymer‐coated fertilizers are categorized by commercial manufacturers. Each technology is examined for its product properties, manufacturing, distribution, and product uses.

The aftermath of the 19th Conference of the Communist Party, held in Moscow from June 28 to July 1, 1988, is analyzed by eight Western observers. The discussion covers impacts of the Conference on Soviet society and abroad, General Secretary Gorbachev's speech at the Central Committee Plenum on July 29, 1988, and reviews results of his policies since 1985. It proceeds to look at the current transitional period of Soviet reforms, including the formation of new enterprise forms and horizontal links in the economy. Finally, the discussants view prospects for political and economic development in the future. journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: 052, 124, 113.

Results of the second meeting of a panel of distinguished specialists who review annually Soviet economic performance are presented in the form of proceedings interwoven with tabular material, references, and occasional abstracts. Because of serious inconsistences and discrepancies in official Soviet statistical data for the year 1986, a debate on the quality of Soviet economic statistics is included in the review of performance. PlanEcon estimates are compared with those of the CIA. Also discussed are perspectives on agriculture and industry and prospects for 1987. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: 052, 124, 221.