Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 46.17 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 62.52 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 6.25% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | South America |
| 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. |
|
Specialty Fertilizer Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The specialty fertilizers market size stands at USD 46.17 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 62.52 billion by 2030, growing at a 6.25% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The adoption of precision farming tools propels market growth, driven by the rapid shift toward enhanced-efficiency formulations and policy support that links nutrient management with environmental metrics[1]Source: USDA Economic Research Service, “Fertilizer Use and Markets,” ers.usda.gov . Liquid products dominate because their full solubility matches fertigation needs, while technology improvements in controlled-release coatings keep nutrient availability synchronized with crop demand. Digital agriculture platforms provide real-time field data that enhances nutrient use efficiency, promotes regulatory compliance, and facilitates carbon-credit monetization. Expanding protected cultivation, increasing drip irrigation coverage, and offering incentives for nitrogen use efficiency enhance demand resiliency across crop categories. Competitive intensity hinges on integrated service models that bundle analytics, hardware, and tailored nutrient solutions to raise farm profitability in the specialty fertilizers market.
Key Report Takeaways
- By specialty type, liquid fertilizers led with a 53.8% revenue share of the specialty fertilizers market in 2024, while controlled-release fertilizers are projected to post an 8.05% CAGR through 2030.
- By application mode, fertigation captured 50.0% of the specialty fertilizers market share in 2024, and soil application is set to expand at a 7.88% CAGR through 2030.
- By crop type, field crops accounted for 70.4% of the specialty fertilizers market size in 2024, whereas horticultural crops are projected to advance at a 7.41% CAGR through 2030.
- Yara International, The Mosaic Company, and Nutrien together accounted for 20.6% of global revenue in 2024.
Global Specialty Fertilizer Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision-agriculture adoption | +1.3% | Global, especially North America and European Union | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Water scarcity and irrigation efficiency | +1.0% | Asia Pacific, Middle East, South America | Long term (≥4 years) |
| Greenhouse and vertical-farm expansion | +0.8% | North America, European Union, Asia Pacific urban hubs | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Carbon-credit incentives for nitrogen use efficiency inputs | +0.7% | European Union, North America, select Asia Pacific markets | Long term (≥4 years) |
| CRISPR-enabled nutrient-dense crops | +0.6% | Global, early adoption in developed economies | Long term (≥4 years) |
| Digital traceability premiums | +0.5% | Global, first movers in premium supply chains | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
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Precision-Agriculture Adoption
Satellite imagery, soil sensors, and GPS-guided spreaders are enhancing the accuracy of nutrient placement. In 2024, the majority of corn and soybean growers adopted variable-rate application, compared to 2023, and specialty fertilizer use per acre increased as the broadcast practice declined. Real-time nitrogen crediting triggers on-demand blended inputs that match crop stages, cutting losses and bolstering yields. Equipment firms now co-design multi-bin applicators with nutrient suppliers, letting farmers switch formulations without downtime. Supportive conservation programs cover part of the hardware cost, thereby accelerating the penetration of precision-ready, enhanced-efficiency products.
Water Scarcity and Irrigation Efficiency
Drip irrigation, paired with fertigation, reduces water use compared to flood systems, a critical benefit as agriculture’s share of freshwater resources contracts[2]Source: Food and Agriculture Organization, “Water Scarcity and Agriculture,” fao.org. Global acreage under drip lines reached a higher level in 2024, and specialty fertilizer volumes through these networks doubled those of conventional field methods. Israel and Jordan mandate pressurized irrigation for new farms larger than 10 ha, creating locked-in demand for fully soluble nutrient blends. Online pH and conductivity probes require low-salt index products that remain clog-free. Subsidies linked to water use targets favor fertigation and support the growth of the specialty fertilizers market.
Greenhouse and Vertical-Farm Expansion
Controlled-environment agriculture added a larger number of new greenhouses in 2024, and vertical farms are increasing year-over-year. Hydroponic and soilless systems rely on fertilizers with exact ion ratios and high solubility to avoid rapid nutrient imbalance. LED lighting alters plant uptake, so custom nutrient packs align elemental delivery with spectrum-specific photosynthesis. Premium produce prices, often three to five times the cost of open-field equivalents, justify high-performance formulations that accelerate biomass production. Municipal urban-ag programs and research grants boost demand for odorless, safe products adapted to indoor settings.
Digital Traceability Premiums
Retailer blockchain systems now reward verified sustainable input use with 5-12% produce premiums. Manufacturers embed QR codes that track the origin, formulation, and application log of fertilizers. Data feeds integrate with precision sensors, creating end-to-end visibility required for organic and carbon claims. EU proposals for digital product passports will formalize traceability, advantaging suppliers ready with validated datasets. Rising consumer awareness about farm inputs amplifies the need for specialty fertilizers that carry transparent environmental credentials.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw-material and energy price volatility | –0.8% | Global, supply chain dependent regions | Short term (≤2 years) |
| High capital expenditure of fertigation hardware | –0.6% | Developing regions, smallholder areas | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Emerging micro-plastic coating bans | –0.5% | European Union, North America, expanding worldwide | Long term (≥4 years) |
| Data-standard gaps for carbon accounting | –0.4% | Global, regulation dependent | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Raw-Material and Energy Price Volatility
Natural gas, potash, and phosphate rock prices fluctuated in 2024 amid geopolitical tensions, compressing producer margins[3]Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, “Energy Market Analysis,” eia.gov. Polymer coatings, which account for up to 25% of CRF costs, track crude oil, so oil spikes translate quickly into higher finished product prices. Potash supply disruptions from Russia and Belarus led to spot costs increasing by 50% at times, prompting alternative sourcing. Single-supplier dependence for specialty additives magnifies risk, and currency shifts add further uncertainty for import-reliant manufacturers. Short procurement cycles leave little room for hedging, making price stability elusive.
Emerging Micro-Plastic Coating Bans
Proposed European restrictions could ban polymer-coated CRFs as early as 2026 if the coatings fail to meet biodegradability tests. Compliant alternatives raise costs 25-40% and sometimes deliver uneven release, risking yield. Certification studies require years and significant capital, making them challenging for smaller firms. Food processors now screen suppliers for microplastic risk, preemptively pushing demand toward biodegradable solutions. Regulatory clarity remains pending, yet uncertainty already delays product launches.
Segment Analysis
By Specialty Type: Liquid Formulations Anchor Leadership
Liquid fertilizers accounted for 53.8% of the specialty fertilizers market share in 2024, a position built on their unmatched compatibility with fertigation and uniform nutrient distribution. Their rapid dissolution and ease of blending suit variable-rate rigs that demand precise homogeneity. Adoption of large irrigated acreage across the Asia Pacific and South America keeps volumes high, while indoor farming values its low salt risk. The segment also benefits from an expanded distribution infrastructure that supports bulk shipments and on-farm blending.
The specialty fertilizers market size for controlled-release products is projected to expand at an 8.05% CAGR, the fastest among specialty types. Coating advances offer predictable nutrient release curves that align with crop uptake, thereby curbing leaching and reducing labor requirements. Polymer-sulfur variants gain traction in sulfur-deficient regions, and biodegradable films help satisfy looming microplastic laws. Precision agriculture tools amplify value, as one application now feeds a crop across multiple growth stages, improving return on investment.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
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By Application Mode: Fertigation Dominates, Soil Application Accelerates
Fertigation accounted for 50.0% of the specialty fertilizers market share in 2024, reflecting the adoption of water-efficient strategies in both advanced and emerging economies. The integration of dosing pumps with moisture sensors enables real-time nutrient adjustment, thereby boosting uptake rates and minimizing runoff. Government mandates in water-scarce zones reinforce the adoption of liquid products and anchor demand for them.
Soil application is poised to grow at a 7.88% CAGR through 2030, as GPS-enabled spreaders deliver spatially accurate doses that reduce waste. Modern spreader designs meter multiple formulations in a single pass, easing logistics for broad-acre field crops. The specialty fertilizers market size tied to soil placement benefits from declining sensor costs, which make variable-rate strategies accessible to mid-sized farms.
By Crop Type: Field Crops Hold Scale Advantage, Horticulture Gains Pace
Field crops held 70.4% of the specialty fertilizers market size in 2024, leveraging extensive acreage in corn, soybean, and wheat systems. Yield mapping data guides nutrient prescriptions that improve bushel output per unit applied, sustaining demand despite modest area growth. Suppliers tailor macronutrient blends with micronutrient boosters to solve region-specific deficiencies in large operations.
Horticultural crops will rise at a 7.41% CAGR as consumers pay premiums for high-quality fruits and vegetables. Urban greenhouses and vertical farms require bespoke soluble blends tuned to soilless substrates and LED conditions. Biofortified varieties also require specialized micronutrient packages, further strengthening the fastest-growing segment’s demand for specialty fertilizers.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
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Geography Analysis
Asia Pacific commanded 66.0% of global revenue in 2024, supported by China’s soil testing subsidies and India’s specialty nutrient incentives for smallholders. Intensive land use in Japan and South Korea further propels per-hectare spending, while Australia’s drought management rules promote the use of fertigation systems with liquid blends. Southeast Asian palm and rice producers adopt enhanced-efficiency inputs to comply with sustainability certifications, adding incremental volume.
South America represents the fastest-growing region with an 8.70% CAGR to 2030. Brazil has initiated investments in precision agriculture technologies that enhance nutrient efficiency, and large farms are aligning CRF usage with no-till practices to safeguard soil health. Argentina mirrors this trajectory, utilizing controlled-release solutions for soy and corn to maintain export competitiveness amid growing environmental scrutiny.
The South American specialty fertilizer market is characterized by large-scale agricultural operations and growing adoption of modern farming practices. The region, primarily represented by Brazil and Argentina, shows significant market potential driven by extensive agricultural lands and diverse crop portfolios. Brazil emerges as the largest market in the region, supported by its vast agricultural operations and strong focus on technological advancement in farming. Argentina stands as the fastest-growing market, driven by increasing adoption of precision farming techniques and a focus on export-oriented agriculture. The region's market is characterized by growing awareness about sustainable farming practices and increasing investments in agricultural technology.
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Competitive Landscape
The specialty fertilizers market landscape remains fragmented. Yara International leads with a significant share, followed by The Mosaic Company, while the next tier of regional players and start-ups together hold a major share. Market leaders leverage vertical integration, spanning from raw materials to digital advisory services, enabling cost control and customer lock-in through comprehensive solution packages. Mid-sized companies differentiate themselves with biological additives, microgranulation, and crop-specific blends tailored to local agronomy.
Innovation intensity is high. Patent filings for enhanced-efficiency technologies increased by 42% in 2024. Focus areas include biodegradable coatings, nitrification inhibitors, and microbial consortia. Strategic deals continue, such as Yara’s AgroNutri acquisition and Nutrien’s new CRF plant, bolstering technology portfolios and regional reach. Partnerships with digital farming platforms, evident in Mosaic’s CropNutrition Pro launch, illustrate a shift toward data-driven service models that raise switching costs for growers.
Market entry barriers hinge on regulatory registration, environmental compliance, and the depth of the dealer network. ISO 14001 certifications, recently obtained by SQM in Chile, underscore environmental credentials that buyers now value. Emerging white spaces include specialty fertilizers for urban farming and combined seed-nutrient packages for CRISPR crops, arenas where agile innovators can gain share before incumbents fully mobilize.
Specialty Fertilizer Industry Leaders
-
Yara International ASA
-
The Mosaic Company
-
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA
-
Nutrien Ltd
-
Koch Industries Inc.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Recent Industry Developments
- May 2024: ICL commenced commercial shipments of its controlled-release fertilizers featuring the eqo.x biodegradable coating, marking the first large-scale rollout of this technology. The initial launch targeted high-value European crops such as potatoes and onions, offering improved nutrient-use efficiency while addressing environmental concerns over traditional polymer coatings.
- April 2024: COMPO EXPERT has partnered with OCI Global to procure low-carbon ammonia for the production of NPK specialty fertilizers, resulting in a potential reduction of up to 60% in its carbon footprint.
- April 2023: Coramandel International introduced Acumist Calcium, a liquid calcium fertilizer developed to address calcium deficiencies in crops efficiently.
Global Specialty Fertilizer Market Report Scope
CRF, Liquid Fertilizer, SRF, and Water Soluble are covered as segments by Specialty Type. Fertigation, Foliar, and Soil are covered as segments by Application Mode. Field Crops, Horticultural Crops, turf, and ornamental crops are covered as segments by Crop Type. Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, North America, and South America are covered as segments by Region.
Specialty Type
| Controlled-Release Fertilizer (CRF) | Polymer Coated |
| Polymer-Sulfur Coated | |
| Others | |
| Liquid Fertilizer | |
| Slow-Release Fertilizer (SRF) | |
| Water-Soluble |
Application Mode
| Fertigation |
| Foliar |
| Soil |
Crop Type
| Field Crops |
| Horticultural Crops |
| Turf and 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 and Africa | Nigeria |
| Saudi Arabia | |
| South Africa | |
| Turkey | |
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | |
| North America | Canada |
| Mexico | |
| United States | |
| Rest of North America | |
| South America | Argentina |
| Brazil | |
| Rest of South America |
| Specialty Type | Controlled-Release Fertilizer (CRF) | Polymer Coated |
| Polymer-Sulfur Coated | ||
| Others | ||
| Liquid Fertilizer | ||
| Slow-Release Fertilizer (SRF) | ||
| Water-Soluble | ||
| Application Mode | Fertigation | |
| Foliar | ||
| Soil | ||
| Crop Type | Field Crops | |
| Horticultural Crops | ||
| Turf and 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 and Africa | Nigeria | |
| Saudi Arabia | ||
| South Africa | ||
| Turkey | ||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | ||
| North America | Canada | |
| Mexico | ||
| United States | ||
| Rest of North America | ||
| South America | Argentina | |
| Brazil | ||
| Rest of South America | ||
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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. |
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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
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