Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2026) | USD 30.31 Billion |
| Market Size (2031) | USD 40.06 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2026 - 2031) | 5.74 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. | |
Soil Treatment Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Soil Treatment Market size is anticipated to increase from USD 28.56 billion in 2025 to USD 30.22 billion in 2026, and to reach USD 40.06 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.74% from 2026 to 2031. The soil treatment industry is experiencing a significant transformation driven by the adoption of modern farming practices and precision agriculture technologies. Farmers are increasingly adopting no-till and minimum-till farming methods, which require more sophisticated soil-management approaches. These practices have led to the development of precision application technologies that allow farmers to target specific areas with high weed pressure, optimizing pesticide use and reducing overall costs.
The industry is facing challenges from soil-borne pests and pathogens that threaten agricultural productivity. According to a 2023 study published in Frontiers in Plant Science, soil-borne plant pathogens can cause yield losses of 50–75% in economically important crops, including wheat, maize, cotton, vegetables, and fruits.
Environmental sustainability has become a key focus area in soil treatment practices, with increasing emphasis on reducing the chemical footprint while maintaining treatment efficacy. The industry has shifted toward more targeted application methods, including soil drenching, broadcast, and furrow applications. A 2021 study published in the journal Crop Protection found that third-instar white grub larvae reduced root systems by approximately 25% in soybean and by 64% in maize under the conditions evaluated in central Brazil.
The market has also seen advancements in soil-treatment formulations and application methods. Manufacturers have developed active ingredients and delivery systems designed to improve treatment efficacy and protection. The integration of soil-health monitoring with treatment decisions can support more targeted timing and dosage of applications.
Global Soil Treatment Market Trends and Insights
The increasing infestation of soil borne pest, diseases, and weeds, the per hectare consumption of soil treatment of pesticides is likely to increase globally
- The global average consumption of crop protection chemicals through soil application reached 2,345.0 g per ha of agricultural land in 2022, representing an increase of 13.6% from 2,065.0 g per ha in 2017.
- The growing adoption of modern farming practices, including no-till and minimum-till farming, can influence the population dynamics of certain soil-borne pests and pathogens, supporting the need for appropriate soil pest management practices.
- Herbicides, particularly pre-emergent herbicides, are generally applied to soil to target weeds before emergence. This approach helps manage weed populations proactively, supporting crop establishment and subsequent weed control.
- According to a 2021 study published in Crop Protection, third-instar larvae of Phyllophaga capillata and Aegopsis bolboceridus reduced root systems by approximately 25% in soybean and 64% in maize, respectively. The study also estimated productivity reductions of 58.62% for soybean and 59.76% for maize under severe white grub infestation in central Brazil.
- Plant-parasitic nematodes, including species of Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus, can cause significant losses in fruit and vegetable crops.
Soil treatment pesticide usage is increasing with the need for controlling soil-borne diseases
- Amid the dynamic landscape of the pesticide market, soil treatment pesticides stand out as crucial components. These specialized chemicals play a pivotal role in fostering healthy crop growth, effective pest and disease control, and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Cypermethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used as a soil treatment pesticide. When applied to soil, it provides effective control against a variety of soil-borne pests, including termites and root maggots. Its mode of action involves targeting pests' nervous systems upon contact, leading to paralysis and death. It was priced at USD 21.0 thousand per metric ton in 2022.
- Atrazine is an herbicide commonly used as a soil treatment to control broadleaf and grassy weeds in agricultural fields and non-crop areas. It is particularly effective in managing weed populations that compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight. It was priced at USD 13.8 thousand per metric ton in 2022.
- Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide used as a soil treatment to control a variety of insect pests in agricultural fields and non-crop areas. It is effective in managing both flying and crawling insects that can damage crops and other plants. In 2022, Malathion was priced at USD 12.5 thousand per metric ton.
- Mancozeb is a fungicide and soil treatment used to control various fungal diseases, such as damping-off, blight, and downy mildew. It belongs to the dithiocarbamate class and has broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of plant pathogens. It was priced at USD 7.8 thousand per metric ton in 2022.
Segment Analysis
Herbicide Segment in Soil Treatment Market
The herbicide segment dominates the global soil treatment market, and accounted for 73.1% market share in 2025. This significant market position is attributed to the growing adoption of modern farming practices, including no-till and minimum-till farming, in which herbicides can be applied with precision through soil-applied treatments. The segment's dominance is particularly evident in its targeting of specific areas with high weed pressure, thereby optimizing herbicide use and reducing costs. Herbicides specifically target weed seeds, impeding their germination even before crop sowing, and have gained popularity for their proactive approach to weed population management. This method ensures better crop establishment and overall weed control, making it the preferred choice for farmers worldwide. The segment's growth is further supported by its effectiveness in both pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control applications.
Growth Trajectory of Herbicide Segment
The herbicide segment is forecast to maintain its market leadership and grow at a 5.9% CAGR from 2026 to 2031. Growth is driven by the continued need for effective weed management and the use of soil-applied herbicides, particularly pre-emergence treatments that control susceptible weeds before or during emergence. Precision application technologies are enabling more targeted herbicide use by allowing treatments to be applied based on field and weed-management requirements. During the forecast period, developments in herbicide formulations and application technologies are anticipated to support the continued use of soil-applied herbicides across major crop-production systems.
Remaining Segments in Function Segmentation
The soil treatment market includes several other segments, such as insecticides, nematicides, fungicides, and molluscicides, each addressing specific pest control needs. Insecticides control soil-dwelling pests that affect root systems and early stages of plant growth. Nematicides manage microscopic worm populations that can significantly impact crop yields. Fungicides prevent and treat soil-borne diseases that affect plant health at the root level. Molluscicides, while a smaller segment, control slugs and snails that can damage emerging plants. Each of these segments contributes to the pest management approach required in modern agriculture, providing farmers with solutions for soil-based pest control.
Segment Analysis: Crop Type
Grains and Cereals Segment in Soil Treatment Market
The grains and cereals segment accounted for 45.0% market share in 2025. This dominance was driven by the extensive cultivation of major cereal crops, including maize, wheat, rice, oats, and barley, which generated significant demand for soil-borne pest, disease, and weed management. These threats can affect crop establishment and productivity, supporting the use of soil-applied herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, and fungicides across cereal production systems. The grains and cereals segment is forecast to maintain its market leadership and grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2026 to 2031. Soil treatments support preventive pest management by targeting soil-dwelling pests and pathogens, while pre-emergence herbicides help control weeds before they compete with crops for nutrients, water, light, and growing space. Continued emphasis on crop protection and productivity during the forecast period is expected to sustain demand for soil treatment solutions across major grains and cereals.
Remaining Segments in Crop Type
The pulses and oilseeds segment represents the second-largest share of the soil treatment market, driven by the cultivation of crops such as soybean, sunflower, groundnut, sesame, and rapeseed, which require soil treatment to manage soil-borne pests, diseases, and weeds. The fruits and vegetables segment is supported by the need to protect high-value crops from soil-borne diseases, nematodes, insects, and weed competition. The commercial crops segment includes crops such as coffee, rubber, tea, cashew, and cotton, where soil treatment is applied as part of crop protection programs. The turf and ornamental segment accounts for a smaller share of the market, with soil treatments used across golf courses, sports fields, landscaped areas, and ornamental plant production to manage weeds, pests, and soil-borne diseases. Collectively, these segments drive demand for soil treatment across a broad range of agricultural and non-agricultural applications.
Geography Analysis
Soil Treatment Market in Africa
The African soil treatment market demonstrates significant potential across various agricultural sectors. South Africa leads the regional soil market with advanced agricultural practices and increasing adoption of soil treatment solutions. The region faces unique challenges in pest management, with insect pests causing substantial crop yield losses. African countries are increasingly recognizing the importance of soil treatment methods, particularly in controlling soil-borne diseases and managing persistent pests that affect crop productivity.
Soil Treatment Market in Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region remains the fastest-growing in the soil treatment market, expanding at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2026 to 2031, supported by its large and diverse agricultural sector and the need to manage soil-borne diseases, pests, nematodes, and weeds across major crops. Australia, Japan, China, India, and other agricultural markets use soil treatment solutions tailored to their crop production systems, pest pressures, and regulatory requirements.
Soil Treatment Market in Australia
Australia is one of the key markets in the Asia-Pacific region, as demand is driven by the country's established agricultural sector and the need to manage weeds, soil-borne pests, and diseases across major crop production systems. Soil-applied herbicides, including pre-emergence treatments, are part of weed-management programs that reduce weed competition during crop establishment.
Soil Treatment Market in Thailand
Thailand's demand is supported by the need to manage soil-borne pests, diseases, and weeds across the country's agricultural production systems, including rice cultivation. The continued adoption of crop-protection and soil-management practices is expected to support demand for soil treatment solutions in the country.
Soil Treatment Market in Europe
The European soil treatment market is supported by established agricultural production, crop-protection requirements, and the regulatory framework governing pesticide use and soil management. France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and other European agricultural markets contribute to regional demand. The European Union's A Soil Deal for Europe mission also supports research and innovation to improve soil health and promote sustainable soil management.
Soil Treatment Market in France
France is one of the largest markets in Europe, supported by its agricultural production base and the need to manage weeds, soil-borne pests, and diseases. Pre-emergence herbicides and integrated pest management practices contribute to the use of soil treatments across French crop production systems.
Soil Treatment Market in France - Growth Trajectory
Growthin in France is driven by demand for soil treatment solutions across major agricultural applications, including cereal production and vineyard management. The need to manage weeds, soil-borne pests, and diseases while maintaining crop productivity is forecast to sustain the adoption of soil treatment solutions during the forecast period.
Soil Treatment Market in North America
North America accounted for 38.5% market share in 2025, supported by extensive agricultural production across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as the ongoing need to manage weeds, soil-borne pests, nematodes, and diseases. The United States demand is driven by the country's large crop production base and the use of soil-applied crop protection solutions across major agricultural systems.
Soil Treatment Market in South America
The South American soil treatment market is supported by large-scale agricultural production across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and other countries, as well as the need to manage weeds, soil-borne pests, and diseases across major crops. Demand is supported by the region's soybean and other major crop production systems and their associated crop protection requirements. The adoption of soil-monitoring technologies can further support more targeted soil-management and treatment decisions.
Competitive Landscape
Top Companies in Soil Treatment Market
In 2025, the soil treatment market included major crop-protection companies such as Syngenta Group, Bayer AG, BASF SE, FMC Corporation, and UPL Ltd. These companies are actively investing in research and development to create innovative soil treatment solutions, with a particular focus on environmentally sustainable products and precision application technologies. Strategic expansion through manufacturing facility investments has been a key trend, with companies establishing new production sites to strengthen their regional presence and supply chain capabilities. Product portfolio diversification through both organic development and strategic acquisitions has enabled companies to offer comprehensive soil treatment solutions across different crop segments. The industry has witnessed significant collaboration between major players and agricultural technology firms to develop integrated digital solutions for optimized soil treatment applications.
Consolidated Market with Strong Regional Players
In 2025, the soil treatment market was moderately fragmented, with both global agricultural conglomerates and specialized regional players. The major multinational companies leverage their extensive distribution networks, established brand recognition, and significant research capabilities to maintain their market positions. These industry leaders have built strong relationships with farmers through comprehensive support services, including soil analysis, application guidance, and post-treatment monitoring. The market has witnessed considerable consolidation through strategic acquisitions, particularly in emerging agricultural markets, as companies seek to expand their geographical footprint and acquire local expertise.
The competitive dynamics vary significantly across regions, with local players maintaining strong positions in specific markets through their deep understanding of regional agricultural practices and established relationships with farmers. Market entry barriers are relatively high due to extensive regulatory requirements, the need for significant research and development investments, and the importance of established distribution networks. The industry has seen increased collaboration between established players and agricultural technology startups, particularly in developing digital solutions for precision agriculture and sustainable soil treatment applications.
Innovation and Sustainability Drive Future Success
Success in the soil treatment market increasingly depends on companies' ability to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions while maintaining efficacy. Market leaders are investing heavily in developing new active ingredients and formulations that offer improved performance with reduced environmental impact. Digital integration has become crucial, with companies developing smart soil treatment solutions that enable precise application and monitoring. The ability to provide comprehensive solutions that address multiple soil-related challenges while complying with evolving regulatory requirements has become a key differentiator for market players.
For new entrants and smaller players, success lies in identifying and serving specific market niches or regional opportunities where larger players may have limited presence. Companies are focusing on developing specialized solutions for specific crop types or soil conditions, creating opportunities for differentiation. Building strong relationships with local farming communities and offering specialized technical support has proven effective in gaining market share. The increasing focus on sustainable agriculture and organic farming practices presents opportunities for companies to develop innovative biological soil treatment solutions. Success also depends on the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining cost-effective operations and establishing reliable distribution networks.
Soil Treatment Industry Leaders
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BASF SE
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Bayer AG
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FMC Corporation
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Syngenta Group
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UPL Limited
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- January 2023: Bayer formed a new partnership with Oerth Bio to enhance crop protection technology and create more eco-friendly crop protection solutions.
- June 2022: AgriNova New Zealand Ltd was acquired by ADAMA Ltd. With this acquisition, ADAMA expanded its product line in the New Zealand market.
- October 2021: By investing in a new chemist's center, ADAMA enhanced its R&D capabilities that are aimed to expand and accelerate its own research and development in the field of plant protection.
Global Soil Treatment Market Report Scope
Fungicide, Herbicide, Insecticide, Molluscicide, and Nematicide are covered as segments by Function. Commercial Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Grains and Cereals, Pulses and Oilseeds, and Turf and Ornamental are covered as segments under Crop Type. Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and South America are covered as regions.
Function
| Fungicides |
| Herbicides |
| Insecticides |
| Molluscicide |
| Nematicide |
Crop Type
| Commercial Crops |
| Fruits and Vegetables |
| Grains and Cereals |
| Pulses and Oilseeds |
| Turf and Ornamental |
Region
| Africa | By Country | South Africa |
| Rest of Africa | ||
| Asia-Pacific | By Country | Australia |
| China | ||
| India | ||
| Indonesia | ||
| Japan | ||
| Myanmar | ||
| Pakistan | ||
| Philippines | ||
| Thailand | ||
| Vietnam | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| Europe | By Country | France |
| Germany | ||
| Italy | ||
| Netherlands | ||
| Russia | ||
| Spain | ||
| Ukraine | ||
| United Kingdom | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| North America | By Country | Canada |
| Mexico | ||
| United States | ||
| Rest of North America | ||
| South America | By Country | Argentina |
| Brazil | ||
| Chile | ||
| Rest of South America |
| Function | Fungicides | ||
| Herbicides | |||
| Insecticides | |||
| Molluscicide | |||
| Nematicide | |||
| Crop Type | Commercial Crops | ||
| Fruits and Vegetables | |||
| Grains and Cereals | |||
| Pulses and Oilseeds | |||
| Turf and Ornamental | |||
| Region | Africa | By Country | South Africa |
| Rest of Africa | |||
| Asia-Pacific | By Country | Australia | |
| China | |||
| India | |||
| Indonesia | |||
| Japan | |||
| Myanmar | |||
| Pakistan | |||
| Philippines | |||
| Thailand | |||
| Vietnam | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Europe | By Country | France | |
| Germany | |||
| Italy | |||
| Netherlands | |||
| Russia | |||
| Spain | |||
| Ukraine | |||
| United Kingdom | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| North America | By Country | Canada | |
| Mexico | |||
| United States | |||
| Rest of North America | |||
| South America | By Country | Argentina | |
| Brazil | |||
| Chile | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
Market Definition
- Function - Crop Protection Chemicals are apllied to control or prevent pests, including insects, fungi, weeds, nematodes, and mollusks, from damaging the crop and to protect the crop yield.
- Application Mode - Soil Treatment is a method of applying crop protection chemicals to the soil directly to prevent or control pests.
- Crop Type - This represents the consumption of crop protection chemicals by Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, Fruits, Vegetables, Turf, and Ornamental crops.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| IWM | Integrated weed management (IWM) is an approach to incorporate multiple weed control techniques throughout the growing season to give producers the best opportunity to control problematic weeds. |
| Host | Hosts are the plants that form relationships with beneficial microorganisms and help them colonize. |
| Pathogen | A disease-causing organism. |
| Herbigation | Herbigation is an effective method of applying herbicides through irrigation systems. |
| Maximum residue levels (MRL) | Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) is the maximum allowed limit of pesticide residue in food or feed obtained from plants and animals. |
| IoT | The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected devices that connect and exchange data with other IoT devices and the cloud. |
| Herbicide-tolerant varieties (HTVs) | Herbicide-tolerant varieties are plant species that have been genetically engineered to be resistant to herbicides used on crops. |
| Chemigation | Chemigation is a method of applying pesticides to crops through an irrigation system. |
| Crop Protection | Crop protection is a method of protecting crop yields from different pests, including insects, weeds, plant diseases, and others that cause damage to agricultural crops. |
| Seed Treatment | Seed treatment helps to disinfect seeds or seedlings from seed-borne or soil-borne pests. Crop protection chemicals, such as fungicides, insecticides, or nematicides, are commonly used for seed treatment. |
| Fumigation | Fumigation is the application of crop protection chemicals in gaseous form to control pests. |
| Bait | A bait is a food or other material used to lure a pest and kill it through various methods, including poisoning. |
| Contact Fungicide | Contact pesticides prevent crop contamination and combat fungal pathogens. They act on pests (fungi) only when they come in contact with the pests. |
| Systemic Fungicide | A systemic fungicide is a compound taken up by a plant and then translocated within the plant, thus protecting the plant from attack by pathogens. |
| Mass Drug Administration (MDA) | Mass drug administration is the strategy to control or eliminate many neglected tropical diseases. |
| Mollusks | Mollusks are pests that feed on crops, causing crop damage and yield loss. Mollusks include octopi, squid, snails, and slugs. |
| Pre-emergence Herbicide | Preemergence herbicides are a form of chemical weed control that prevents germinated weed seedlings from becoming established. |
| Post-emergence Herbicide | Postemergence herbicides are applied to the agricultural field to control weeds after emergence (germination) of seeds or seedlings. |
| Active Ingredients | Active ingredients are the chemicals in pesticide products that kill, control, or repel pests. |
| United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) | The Department of Agriculture provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. |
| Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) | The WSSA, a non-profit professional society, promotes research, education, and extension outreach activities related to weeds. |
| Suspension concentrate | Suspension concentrate (SC) is one of the formulations of crop protection chemicals with solid active ingredients dispersed in water. |
| Wettable powder | A wettable powder (WP) is a powder formulation that forms a suspension when mixed with water prior to spraying. |
| Emulsifiable concentrate | Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) is a concentrated liquid formulation of pesticide that needs to be diluted with water to create a spray solution. |
| Plant-parasitic nematodes | Parasitic Nematodes feed on the roots of crops, causing damage to the roots. These damages allow for easy plant infestation by soil-borne pathogens, which results in crop or yield loss. |
| Australian Weeds Strategy (AWS) | The Australian Weeds Strategy, owned by the Environment and Invasives Committee, provides national guidance on weed management. |
| Weed Science Society of Japan (WSSJ) | WSSJ aims to contribute to the prevention of weed damage and the utilization of weed value by providing the chance for research presentation and information exchange. |
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.
- 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
