Water Soluble Fertilizer Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 20.72 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 28.20 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 6.40% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Middle East and Africa |
| Largest Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
Water Soluble Fertilizer Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The water soluble fertilizer market size reached USD 20.72 billion in 2025 and is projected to climb to USD 28.20 billion by 2030, expanding at a 6.4% CAGR during the forecast window. Strong demand stems from farmers’ shift to precision nutrient delivery that conserves water while sustaining yield in increasingly arid regions. Mounting government subsidies for micro-irrigation systems, expanding greenhouse acreage, and rising carbon-credit opportunities further accelerate the adoption of specialized formulations across the water soluble fertilizer market. Competitive pressure pushes suppliers to bundle agronomic advice with digital tools so growers can monitor nutrient uptake in real time, a tactic that strengthens brand loyalty within the water soluble fertilizer market. Volatile raw-material pricing, especially for chelated micronutrients, and logistical challenges posed by hygroscopic salts temper growth but have not derailed the long-term expansion trajectory of the water soluble fertilizer market.
Key Report Takeaways
- By Product Type, straight fertilizers captured 53.1% of the water soluble fertilizer market share in 2024, while complex formulations registered the fastest growth at a 6.6% CAGR through 2030.
- By Application Mode, fertigation accounted for 54.0% of the water soluble fertilizer market size in 2024, whereas foliar feeding is forecast to grow at a 6.5% CAGR through 2030.
- By Crop Type, field crops held 78.2% of the water soluble fertilizer market size in 2024, and horticultural crops are advancing at a 7.5% CAGR between 2025 and 2030.
- By Geography, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for a 41.2% revenue share of the water soluble fertilizer market in 2024, and it is projected to register a 6.8% CAGR from 2024 to 2030.
Global Water Soluble Fertilizer Market Trends and Insights
Driver Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising adoption of fertigation systems in high-value crops | +1.8% | Global, strongest in Asia-Pacific, and Middle East, and Africa | Medium term (2–4 years) |
| Need for precise nutrient management in greenhouse farming | +1.5% | Europe and North America, expanding worldwide | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Expansion of drip irrigation acreage worldwide | +1.2% | India, China, Spain, and other water-stressed regions | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Government subsidies promoting water-efficient fertilizers | +0.9% | Asia-Pacific core, spill-over to the Middle East and Africa | Medium term (2–4 years) |
| Surge in soluble specialty blends for hydroponics | +0.7% | North America and European Union, emerging in urban Asia-Pacific | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Carbon-credit-linked fertilizer programs | +0.4% | California, Netherlands, Australia | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Rising Adoption of Fertigation Systems in High-Value Crops
Global installations of fertigation equipment are growing 23% each year as regulators tighten water use thresholds and farmers aim for higher returns per hectare. Israel’s experience shows that fertigation boosts citrus and avocado yields by up to 40% while lowering water consumption by 30%[1]Source: International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, “Global Irrigation Statistics,” ICID, icid.org. Automated dosing platforms cut labor requirements and synchronize nutrient release with plant development, enhancing both efficiency and compliance with mandates such as California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Although a full system costs USD 2,000–4,000 per hectare, financing programs and performance-linked subsidies help offset the upfront burden, widening access for mid-size producers across the water soluble fertilizer market.
Need for Precise Nutrient Management in Greenhouse Farming
The global greenhouse area is expanding at an annual rate of 8.2% as growers pursue year-round supply resilience. Dutch operators routinely achieve nutrient use efficiency above 95% through closed-loop fertigation, enabling tomato yields of 500–600 tonnes per hectare, which is six times the output of open-field farming[2]Source: Protected Cropping Australia, “Industry Statistics,” Protected Cropping Australia, protectedcropping.com.au. Such performance validates the premium purchases of soluble blends, which are customized for specific crop stages. Asia-Pacific countries are replicating the model to bolster food security, with Singapore aiming to achieve 30% domestic output by 2030. Certification schemes that require documented nutrient protocols further boost demand for traceable products within the water soluble fertilizer market.
Expansion of Drip Irrigation Acreage Worldwide
Drip irrigation covered 12.5 million hectares in 2024, following a 15% annual increase driven by water tariffs and conservation mandates. India’s flagship micro-irrigation program has budgeted USD 1.8 billion to extend coverage to 10 million hectares by 2026, directly stimulating the usage of compatible soluble nutrients. Drip systems reduce water use by up to 60% while increasing yields by 20–30%, making them especially attractive for premium crops such as grapes and almonds. Spain’s Andalusia region exemplifies long-term uptake, where mandated drip irrigation adoption in olive groves increased potassium fertilizer demand by 12% per year over five years.
Government Subsidies Promoting Water-Efficient Fertilizers
Governments earmarked USD 8.7 billion in 2024 for incentives that favor high-efficiency nutrients. China offers 30% purchase rebates on registered water soluble products, spurring domestic sales growth of 18% per year. The European Union’s Farm to Fork Strategy aims to curb overall fertilizer use by 20% by 2030, but it implicitly favors solutions with superior nutrient use efficiency. Australia’s National Water Initiative reimburses up to half the cost of fertigation systems and associated inputs. Sustained funding hinges on measurable environmental outcomes, prompting suppliers to integrate sensor-based reporting tools into the water soluble fertilizer market.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| High initial cost versus conventional granular fertilizers | −1.4% | Global, the highest impact in developing economies | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Logistical challenges in the bulk handling of soluble salts | −0.9% | Worldwide, acute issues in rural supply chains | Medium term (2–4 years) |
| Ion-specific salinity build-up in closed irrigation loops | −0.6% | Regions with intensive greenhouse use | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Volatility in chelated micronutrient raw material supply | −0.5% | Global, concentrated in specialty segments | Medium term (2–4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
High Initial Cost Versus Conventional Granular Fertilizers
Price premiums of 40–60% deter adoption among price-sensitive growers. Brazilian soybean farmers, for instance, limit their usage to below 15% of the acreage despite the yield benefits. However, when labor savings and 10–20% yield gains are factored in, lifecycle economics can tip in favor of soluble inputs. Suppliers now offer harvest-aligned payment schedules, and subsidies partially close the cost gap in several Asia-Pacific programs.
Volatility in Chelated Micronutrient Raw Material Supply
Global shortages of EDTA and DTPA have lifted chelate costs 20–30% during recent trade disruptions.[3]Source: European Chemicals Agency, “Chemical Database,” European Chemicals Agency, echa.europa.eu China controls roughly 70% of production capacity, exposing buyers to geopolitical risk. Research into biodegradable alternatives is progressing, yet higher costs and limited volumes hamper immediate substitution in premium formulations that underpin the specialty end of the water soluble fertilizer market.
Segment Analysis
By Type: Straight Products Retain Volume Leadership while Complex Formulations Accelerate
Straight products accounted for 53.1% of the water-soluble fertilizer market in 2024, reflecting their cost-effectiveness and versatility across various crops. Potassium nitrate and potassium sulfate dominate this category due to their compatibility with typical fertigation setups. The straight segment benefits from flexible dosing, which allows growers to adjust individual nutrients in response to real-time soil tests, a key practice within the water-soluble fertilizer market. Despite pricing sensitivity, sustained adoption in field crops continues to keep volumes high.
Complex formulations are gaining ground at a 6.6% CAGR through 2030 as growers demand convenience and crop-specific nutrient profiles. Micronutrient-enriched blends are the fastest-growing subset, leveraging controlled-release coatings to extend nutrient availability. European Union registration rules favor standardized complex products, encouraging consolidation around branded solutions that command 20–30% premiums and boost margins within the water-soluble fertilizer market.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Application Mode: Fertigation Dominates, Foliar Feeding Gains Traction
Fertigation accounted for 54.0% of the water soluble fertilizer market size in 2024, thanks to extensive drip and micro-sprinkler infrastructure in Israel, Spain, and rapidly expanding installations in India and China. Growers appreciate the ability to marry water delivery with precise nutrient dosing, driving per-hectare consumption rates that outstrip other application modes.
Foliar feeding is progressing at a 6.5% CAGR through 2030, propelled by specialty crops that require quick correction of micronutrient deficiencies. Chelated foliar formulations mitigate the risk of leaf burn and achieve rapid uptake, appealing to high-value horticulture. Regulatory attention to spray drift necessitates improved equipment and protective protocols, shaping application standards across the water soluble fertilizer market.
By Crop Type: Field Crops Anchor Demand, Horticultural Crops Drive Premium Growth
Field crops captured 78.2% of the water soluble fertilizer market size in 2024, underpinned by massive corn and soybean acreage in North and South America. Variable-rate technology enables site-specific application, improving nutrient use efficiency and environmental compliance. These large volumes stabilize plant utilization rates and distribution logistics for the water soluble fertilizer market.
Horticultural crops, including greenhouse vegetables and berries, are expanding at a 7.5% CAGR as consumers favor year-round fresh produce. Greenhouse tomatoes in the Netherlands presently yield 500–600 tonnes per hectare, a feat made possible by intensive soluble feeding regimes. Berry growers emphasize potassium and calcium for fruit firmness, adopting specialized blends that fetch premium pricing within the water soluble fertilizer market.
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific commanded 41.2% of the water soluble fertilizer market share in 2024 and is projected to post a 6.8% CAGR to 2030. China’s controlled environment acreage has grown at a 25% annual rate, while India has budgeted USD 1.8 billion for micro-irrigation expansion that addresses soluble nutrition demand. Local manufacturers, such as Kingenta and Coromandel International, continue to expand their capacity, keeping prices competitive and ensuring supply continuity.
Europe ranks second, driven by the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. Dutch greenhouse operations achieve 95% nutrient use efficiency, relying heavily on high-purity soluble inputs. Spain’s mandated drip systems in olive and citrus groves sustain potassium demand, and Italy’s organic farmers increasingly choose certified water soluble products to meet consumer preference for sustainable production. The Farm to Fork initiative, targeting a 20% fertilizer-use reduction, indirectly favors high-efficiency solutions in the water soluble fertilizer market.
North America maintains robust momentum, led by the adoption of precision agriculture. California’s nutrient management mandates, combined with carbon offset programs, reward farmers who deploy validated soluble regimens. Canadian grain producers utilize variable-rate technologies to fine-tune their applications, while Mexico’s greenhouse vegetable exports drive demand for premium blends specifically designed for Dutch-style structures. Strong extension services and digital advisory platforms support sophisticated usage patterns within the water soluble fertilizer market.
Competitive Landscape
The competitive arena remains moderately fragmented, with the five largest suppliers controlling a limited share of global revenue. This distribution limits price leadership by any single firm and leaves room for differentiated service models. Multinational companies extend reach through global manufacturing footprints, while local specialists win business with crop-specific advisory teams. Digital agronomy tools that translate sensor readings into nutrient prescriptions are now decisive for customer retention. Suppliers that connect product sales with farm management applications capture incremental margin because growers value integrated support.
Yara International is widening its lead through a USD 200 million capacity expansion that will lift water-soluble output 40% by 2026. ICL Group deepened its specialty range by purchasing Compass Minerals assets for USD 150 million, adding controlled-release and soluble lines to its North American catalog. Nutrien synchronized its portfolio with John Deere equipment so operators can fine-tune soluble application rates directly from tractor cabs. These moves illustrate a shift from pure product sales toward solution models that bundle hardware, data, and after-sale agronomy. Early adopters report lower input waste and higher yields, reinforcing loyalty to branded nutrient programs.
Regional producers such as Kingenta in China and Coromandel International in India grow by tailoring formulas to local soil profiles and subsidy rules. Joint ventures, exemplified by Haifa Group’s partnership with Tata Chemicals, provide fast market entry while sharing regulatory and distribution costs. Sustainability credentials are gaining weight, as shown by K+S Aktiengesellschaft securing European approval for biodegradable chelates that lower environmental risk. As carbon-credit programs mature, suppliers that document emission reductions within their nutrient platforms are positioned to capture premium pricing.
Water Soluble Fertilizer Industry Leaders
-
ICL Group Ltd
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Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited
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K+S Aktiengesellschaft
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Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA
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Yara International ASA
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- September 2025: Yara International reported that its Indian subsidiary expects specialty fertilizer imports to rise 25% in 2025, reaching 135,000–140,000 tonnes as it diversifies sourcing from Norway and the Middle East to offset tighter Chinese export control
- February 2025: Haifa North West Europe (NWE) introduced Haifa Soluble DUO, a water-soluble fertilizer designed to help growers increase calcium input without adding extra nitrogen, chlorides, or sulfates, or to reduce nitrogen without affecting the supply of essential nutrients like potassium and calcium. This product is specifically developed for fertigation, providing growers with an efficient and sustainable solution to enhance their cultivation practices.
- June 2023: ICL has announced the launch of a new range of foliar and fertigation solutions in North America under its Nova brand of water-soluble fertilizers. The key products in this line include Nova FINISH™, Nova PULSE™, Nova ELEVATE™, and Nova FLOW™.
Global Water Soluble Fertilizer Market Report Scope
The Water Soluble Fertilizer Market Report is Segmented by Type (Complex and Straight), Application Mode (Fertigation and Foliar), Crop Type (Field Crops, Horticultural Crops, and Turf and Ornamental), and Geography (Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, North America, South America). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Metric Tons).
| Complex | ||
| Straight | By Nutrient | Micronutrients |
| Nitrogenous | ||
| Phosphatic | ||
| Potassic | ||
| Secondary Macronutrients | ||
| Fertigation |
| Foliar |
| Field Crops |
| Horticultural Crops |
| Turf & Ornamental |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia |
| Bangladesh | |
| China | |
| India | |
| Indonesia | |
| Japan | |
| Pakistan | |
| Philippines | |
| Thailand | |
| Vietnam | |
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
| Europe | France |
| Germany | |
| Italy | |
| Netherlands | |
| Russia | |
| Spain | |
| Ukraine | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Rest of Europe | |
| Middle East & Africa | Nigeria |
| Saudi Arabia | |
| South Africa | |
| Turkey | |
| Rest of Middle East & Africa | |
| North America | Canada |
| Mexico | |
| United States | |
| Rest of North America | |
| South America | Argentina |
| Brazil | |
| Rest of South America |
| Type | Complex | ||
| Straight | By Nutrient | Micronutrients | |
| Nitrogenous | |||
| Phosphatic | |||
| Potassic | |||
| Secondary Macronutrients | |||
| Application Mode | Fertigation | ||
| Foliar | |||
| Crop Type | Field Crops | ||
| Horticultural Crops | |||
| Turf & Ornamental | |||
| Region | Asia-Pacific | Australia | |
| Bangladesh | |||
| China | |||
| India | |||
| Indonesia | |||
| Japan | |||
| Pakistan | |||
| Philippines | |||
| Thailand | |||
| Vietnam | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Europe | France | ||
| Germany | |||
| Italy | |||
| Netherlands | |||
| Russia | |||
| Spain | |||
| Ukraine | |||
| United Kingdom | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Middle East & Africa | Nigeria | ||
| Saudi Arabia | |||
| South Africa | |||
| Turkey | |||
| Rest of Middle East & Africa | |||
| North America | Canada | ||
| Mexico | |||
| United States | |||
| Rest of North America | |||
| South America | Argentina | ||
| Brazil | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
Market Definition
- MARKET ESTIMATION LEVEL - Market Estimations for various types of fertilizers has been done at the product-level and not at the nutrient-level.
- NUTRIENT TYPES COVERED - Primary Nutrients: N, P and K, Secondary Macronutrients: Ca, Mg and S, Micronutients: Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Mo, B, and Others
- AVERAGE NUTRIENT APPLICATION RATE - This refers to the average volume of nutrient consumed per hectare of farmland in each country.
- CROP TYPES COVERED - Field Crops: Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Fiber Crops Horticulture: Fruits, Vegetables, Plantation Crops and Spices, Turf Grass and Ornamentals
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Fertilizer | Chemical substance applied to crops to ensure nutritional requirements, available in various forms such as granules, powders, liquid, water soluble, etc. |
| Specialty Fertilizer | Used for enhanced efficiency and nutrient availability applied through soil, foliar, and fertigation. Includes CRF, SRF, liquid fertilizer, and water soluble fertilizers. |
| Controlled-Release Fertilizers (CRF) | Coated with materials such as polymer, polymer-sulfur, and other materials such as resins to ensure nutrient availability to the crop for its entire life cycle. |
| Slow-Release Fertilizers (SRF) | Coated with materials such as sulfur, neem, etc., to ensure nutrient availability to the crop for a longer period. |
| Foliar Fertilizers | Consist of both liquid and water soluble fertilizers applied through foliar application. |
| Water-Soluble Fertilizers | Available in various forms including liquid, powder, etc., used in foliar and fertigation mode of fertilizer application. |
| Fertigation | Fertilizers applied through different irrigation systems such as drip irrigation, micro irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, etc. |
| Anhydrous Ammonia | Used as fertilizer, directly injected into the soil, available in gaseous liquid form. |
| Single Super Phosphate (SSP) | Phosphorus fertilizer containing only phosphorus which has lesser than or equal to 35%. |
| Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) | Phosphorus fertilizer containing only phosphorus greater than 35%. |
| Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers | Fertilizers coated or treated with additional layers of various ingredients to make it more efficient compared to other fertilizers. |
| Conventional Fertilizer | Fertilizers applied to crops through traditional methods including broadcasting, row placement, ploughing soil placement, etc. |
| Chelated Micronutrients | Micronutrient fertilizers coated with chelating agents such as EDTA, EDDHA, DTPA, HEDTA, etc. |
| Liquid Fertilizers | Available in liquid form, majorly used for application of fertilizers to crops through foliar and fertigation. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: IDENTIFY KEY VARIABLES: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
