Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer formed from nutrient granules having intermediate or precoat layers of organic oil, such as raw linseed oil, prior to application of a polymeric, encapsulating coat. The precoat may also contain a binding agent, such as a fine clay, and a drier. The new fertilizer composition is made by a process of applying the oil precoat, but not curing it until after the encapsulating coat is applied. The use of the precoat provides more desirable controlled (delayed) release characteristics at a lower weight of the encapsulating coat, particularly for nutrient cores having a relatively large number of surface imperfections or discontinuities.

Abstract: Polymer topcoated sulfur coated fertilizer compositions are provided which exhibit slow release characteristics and are abrasion resistant, free flowing, non-smearing and essentially dustless products.

Abstract: Extended residual, controlled release sulfur coated fertilizers having polymeric topcoats applied over a sulfur coating layer are prepared wherein the sulfur coating contains a sufficient amount of a crystalline sulfur allotrope in combination with at least a minimal level of carbon disulfide insoluble amorphous sulfur to maintain the sulfur coating in a pliable, resilient condition at the time at which the polymeric topcoat is applied over the sulfur coating. The presence of such sulfur allotrope is demonstrated by a shoulder endotherm appearing on a differential scanning calorimetry thermogram within a transition temperature range of about 84.degree. C.-97.degree. C.

Abstract: Extended residual, controlled release sulfur coated fertilizer products having polymeric topcoats applied thereover are provided which release the fertilizer at a diffusion controlled rate essentially linearly over time. Processes are also provided for preparation of such products.

Abstract: A slow release particulate fertilizer product in which the fertilizer particles are encapsulated with a sulfur coating. The sulfur coating is substantially crystalline and contains in admixture therewith from 0.05 to 2% (by weight of the coating) of a substituted symmetrical dialkyl polysulfide plasticizer as the sole organosulfur compound in the admixture. Fertilizer efficiency over standard sulfur coatings improves typically 40-50% with the plasticized sulfur coatings.

Abstract: Benzenesulfonylureas of the formula: ##SPC1##Where R is methyl or ethyl, R.sub.1 is methyl or ethyl, and R.sub.2 is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl and salts of those benzenesulfonylureas of formula I having the formula: ##SPC2##Where R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 are as aforesaid, and Z is an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, or ##EQU1## where R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are each hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; the use of compounds of formulas I and II; and compositions containing such compounds.