The status and outlook for the study of controlled-release fertilizers in China

Based on years of experience on the study of controlled-release fertilizers and the extensive reference of both national and international research results, the research developments of controlled-release fertilizers in China were discussed by the authors. The academic value, economic significance, cutting-in and goal of the controlled-release fertilizer research in China were also analyzed and discussed. The RD of controlled-release fertilizers with social demand and economic development were illustrated. The paper distinguished concept of controlled-release fertilizer from slow-release fertilizer, and discussed the significance to distinguish between controlled-release fertilizer and slow-release fertilizer. The history and status of controlled-release fertilizers research in China were reviewed. The history of research on the controlled-release fertilizers in China can be divided into 3 stages: the exploration period, the popularization period, and the integration and industrialization period for major technologies. Through the comparison of the controlled-release fertilizer research in China and abroad, the analysis on the trend and characteristics of the RD of the controlled-release fertilizers in China and the discussion on the frontier field of controlled-release fertilizers, this article foresees the controlled-release fertilizer industry and indicates the direction for future research in China.