United States Controlled Release Fertilizer Market Analysis
The United States Controlled Release Fertilizer Market size is estimated at 439.7 million USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 651.4 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.18% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The United States agricultural landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by the pressing need to optimize resource utilization amid declining farmland availability. Total U.S. farmland has contracted to 893.4 million acres in 2022, highlighting the critical importance of maximizing productivity per acre. This structural shift has catalyzed the adoption of controlled-release fertilizer technologies, with controlled-release fertilizers emerging as a crucial solution for sustainable agriculture. The agricultural sector's focus has notably shifted toward precision farming techniques, emphasizing the role of advanced fertilizer solutions in maintaining crop yields while minimizing environmental impact.
Field trials have demonstrated remarkable improvements in nutrient efficiency through controlled-release fertilizer technology, with coated fertilizers reducing nitrogen leaching by 69% and phosphate leaching by 82% compared to conventional alternatives. These significant efficiency gains are particularly relevant given that traditional uncoated urea typically loses up to 40% of its ammonia content through volatilization. The agricultural community's growing awareness of these benefits has led to increased adoption of slow-release fertilizer solutions, particularly in high-value crop production where nutrient optimization is crucial for maintaining quality and yield.
The horticultural sector has shown remarkable dynamism, with cultivation area expanding by 5.4% between 2021 and 2022, reflecting the growing demand for precision nutrition in specialty crop production. This growth has been accompanied by significant technological advancements in coating technologies, enabling more precise nutrient release patterns tailored to specific crop requirements. The industry has witnessed substantial innovation in polymer coating technologies, leading to the development of more sophisticated and environmentally-friendly fertilizer solutions.
Environmental considerations have become increasingly central to agricultural practices, with field testing demonstrating that coated urea can reduce ammonia losses by a minimum of 95% compared to conventional fertilizers. This environmental efficiency has attracted significant attention from both policymakers and agricultural stakeholders, leading to the implementation of more stringent regulations regarding fertilizer application and environmental protection. The industry's response has been marked by increased investment in research and development, focusing on creating more enhanced efficiency fertilizer systems that align with both agricultural productivity goals and environmental preservation objectives.
United States Controlled Release Fertilizer Market Trends
Soybean and corn are the two prominent crops grown in the United States
- In the United States, the population increased from 335.9 million in 2020 to 338.2 million in 2022. From 2000 onwards, the total farmland area decreased by almost 50 million acres, reaching a total of 893.4 million acres in 2022. The limited farmland indicates the need to increase agricultural productivity with the use of agri inputs. Fertilizers have been used for a long time to increase the productivity of crops. The four major crops in the United States are corn, cotton, soybean, and wheat, which account for more than 65.7% of the principal crop acreage in 2022.
- Soybean and corn are the two prominent crops grown in the United States. In 2022, soybean had the highest area under cultivation, accounting for 25.8% of the total arable land in the United States, followed by corn at 25.7% and wheat at 11.1%. The majority of these crops are grown in a region known as the "Corn Belt," which covers Western Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Eastern Nebraska, and Eastern Kansas. The production of corn (maize) and soybeans dominates this area. Additionally, the United States is a major exporter of rice, with most of the cultivation happening in four regions, three of which are in the South and one in California, according to the USDA.
- Manufacturers of farm inputs are developing innovative products to assist farmers with the precise application of fertilizers. This is helping farmers in reducing the cost of cultivation while increasing efficiency. The field crop industry of the country has immense market potential, and with increased government funding and support, it is expected to drive positive growth in crop cultivation in this area.
Nitrogen deficiency is one of the most prevalent crop nutrient problems across cropping areas in the United States
- The average application rate of primary nutrients (nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus) in field crops in the United States stood at approximately 166.61 kg per hectare in the year 2022. Nitrogen represented 45.93% of this application, followed by potassium at 28.11% and phosphorus at 25.96% in the same year.
- Rapeseed/canola stands out among field crops, with an average primary nutrient application rate of 284.92 kg per hectare, the highest in this sector in 2022. Among the primary nutrients, nitrogen takes the lead, with an average application rate of 229.60 kg per hectare. This dominance can be attributed to nitrogen's pivotal role in plant metabolism, as it is a key component of both chlorophyll and amino acids.
- In the United States, corn/maize stands as the second-largest field crop, with rapeseed/canola following closely behind. On average, farmers applied 245.40 kg of primary nutrients per hectare in 2022. Corn alone contributes to around 31.44% of the nation's total field crop production. When it came to primary nutrient application, corn's nitrogen requirement accounted for 50.06%, phosphorus stood at 23.77%, and potash at 26.17% in 2022.
- Primary nutrients play a pivotal role in enhancing plant enzyme function, cellular growth, and biochemical processes. A deficiency in these nutrients can significantly impact plant health, stifle growth, and hamper crop yields. Given the rising need for increased productivity, the application of primary nutrients in field crops is expected to witness a notable uptick.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Soybean and corn are the two prominent crops grown in the United States
- In 2023, tomatoes and cabbage are the most fertilizer consuming crops in United States.
- The acreage of horticultural crops accounted for 2.8% of the overall area in 2022
Segment Analysis: Coating Type
Polymer Coated Segment in US Controlled Release Fertilizer Market
The polymer-coated fertilizer segment continues to dominate the United States controlled release fertilizer market, commanding approximately 77% market share in 2024. This dominance is driven by its superior performance in reducing nutrient leaching and improving fertilizer efficiency. The segment's prominence is attributed to its ability to decrease total fertilizer usage by 20-50% while reducing leaching by approximately 55% and volatilization by 40%. The technology's effectiveness is particularly evident in field crops and turf & ornamental applications, where it has demonstrated significant yield improvements, with wheat and corn witnessing productivity gains of over 40% and 19%, respectively. The segment's growth is further supported by increasing environmental regulations and the rising adoption of sustainable agricultural practices across the United States. Additionally, the polymer coating technology's ability to provide consistent nutrient release over extended periods has made it particularly attractive for commercial farming operations seeking to optimize their fertilizer application strategies while minimizing environmental impact.
Remaining Segments in Coating Type
The sulfur-coated fertilizer and other specialized coating segments represent important niches in the controlled release fertilizer market, each offering unique benefits for specific agricultural applications. Sulfur-coated fertilizers combine the advantages of controlled nutrient release with additional sulfur benefits, making them particularly valuable for crops with high sulfur requirements. The segment has gained traction due to its cost-effectiveness compared to pure polymer coatings while still maintaining efficient nutrient release properties. Other coating technologies, including resin-based coatings and innovative hybrid solutions, continue to evolve and find specialized applications in various agricultural sectors, particularly in high-value crops and specialized farming operations where precise nutrient management is crucial.
Segment Analysis: Crop Type
Field Crops Segment in US Controlled Release Fertilizer Market
Field crops dominate the United States controlled release fertilizer market, commanding approximately 87% market share in 2024. This substantial market presence is primarily driven by the extensive cultivation of major crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, which collectively account for over 65% of the principal crop acreage in the United States. The segment's prominence is particularly notable in the "Corn Belt" region, spanning Western Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and parts of Nebraska and Kansas, where controlled-release fertilizers have become instrumental in optimizing nutrient delivery and reducing environmental impact. The adoption of these fertilizers in field crops has been further bolstered by their ability to reduce nutrient leaching by up to 69% for nitrogen-based fertilizers and 82% for phosphate-based variants, making them increasingly attractive to farmers focused on sustainable agriculture practices.
Horticultural Crops Segment in US Controlled Release Fertilizer Market
The horticultural crops segment is experiencing remarkable growth in the controlled release fertilizer market, projected to expand at approximately 12% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This accelerated growth is driven by the increasing adoption of precision farming techniques in fruit and vegetable cultivation, particularly in states like California, Florida, and Washington, which have emerged as major horticultural hubs. The segment's expansion is further supported by the proven benefits of smart-release technology in enhancing fruit size and quality while reducing soil and groundwater pollution when applied at optimal dosages. The rising demand in the fresh produce industry, particularly for high-value crops like tomatoes, apples, strawberries, grapes, oranges, and peaches, continues to drive innovation in controlled release fertilizer formulations specifically tailored for horticultural applications.
Remaining Segments in Crop Type
The turf and ornamental segment represents a significant niche in the controlled release fertilizer market, primarily serving the growing landscaping and sports turf industries. This segment has gained prominence due to the increasing focus on sustainable urban landscaping and the maintenance of golf courses and sports fields. The segment's growth is driven by the rising adoption of native grasses, particularly in regions like Texas, where water conservation is paramount. The shift among golf course superintendents and turf managers from conventional fertilizers to more efficient controlled release variants reflects the segment's evolution towards more sustainable practices, particularly in addressing the specific nutritional needs of cold-season turfgrass varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass, bentgrass, and ryegrass.
United States Controlled Release Fertilizer Industry Overview
Top Companies in United States Controlled Release Fertilizer Market
The leading companies in the market are demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation and technological advancement, particularly in polymer coating technologies and nutrient release mechanisms. Companies are actively pursuing strategic partnerships with raw material suppliers and distributors to ensure stable supply chains and enhance market reach. Operational expansion through new manufacturing facilities and storage capabilities is becoming increasingly common as firms aim to meet growing demand. Research and development investments are focused on developing environmentally sustainable fertilizers, with an emphasis on reducing nutrient leaching and improving fertilizer efficiency. The industry is witnessing a trend toward customized solutions for specific crop types and growing conditions, while companies are also expanding their distribution networks through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
Consolidated Market Led By Global Players
The United States controlled release fertilizer market exhibits a highly consolidated structure dominated by large multinational corporations with diverse agricultural portfolios. These market leaders leverage their extensive research capabilities, established distribution networks, and economies of scale to maintain their competitive positions. The presence of specialized players focusing solely on controlled release fertilizer technologies adds depth to the competitive landscape, though their market share remains relatively modest compared to the industry giants.
The market is characterized by significant barriers to entry, primarily due to the high technological requirements and substantial capital investments needed for manufacturing facilities. Merger and acquisition activities are primarily driven by larger companies seeking to acquire specialized technology providers or regional players to expand their geographic presence and product portfolios. The industry also sees strategic partnerships between manufacturers and agricultural service providers to enhance product development and market penetration.
Innovation and Distribution Drive Market Success
For incumbent companies to maintain and expand their market share, focus needs to be placed on developing next-generation coating technologies and environmentally sustainable solutions. Success factors include building strong relationships with agricultural retailers and service providers, investing in digital farming solutions, and offering comprehensive agronomic support services. Companies must also adapt their products to meet evolving environmental regulations while maintaining cost competitiveness through operational efficiency.
New entrants and smaller players can gain ground by focusing on niche markets and specialized applications, particularly in high-value crops and turf segments. Developing innovative solutions for specific regional challenges and building strong local distribution partnerships are crucial strategies. The increasing emphasis on sustainable agriculture and environmental protection presents opportunities for companies offering eco-friendly solutions, while the growing adoption of precision fertilizers techniques creates openings for specialized product development. Success in this market increasingly depends on the ability to provide value-added services and technical support alongside product offerings.
United States Controlled Release Fertilizer Market Leaders
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Grupa Azoty S.A. (Compo Expert)
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Haifa Group
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ICL Group Ltd
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New Mountain Capital (Florikan)
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Nutrien Ltd.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
United States Controlled Release Fertilizer Market News
- May 2022: ICL launched three new NPK formulations of Solinure, a product with increased trace elements to optimize yields.
- May 2022: ICL signed an agreement with customers in India and China to supply 600,000 and 700,000 metric ton of potash, respectively in 2022 at 590 USD per ton.
- March 2022: The Haifa Group entered into a purchase agreement with HORTICOOP BV to acquire Horticoop Andina, the distributor of nutritional products for agriculture. Through this acquisition of the brand, Haifa intends to expand its market presence in the latin market and strengthen its position as a global superbrand in advanced plant nutrition.
Free With This Report
Along with the report, We also offer a comprehensive and exhaustive data pack with 25+ graphs on area under cultivation and average application rate per hectare. The data pack includes Globe, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Africa.
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- CULTIVATION OF FIELD CROPS IN HECTARE, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2022
- Figure 2:
- CULTIVATION OF HORTICULTURAL CROPS IN HECTARE, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2022
- Figure 3:
- CONSUMPTION OF PRIMARY NUTRIENTS BY FIELD CROPS IN KG/HECTARE, UNITED STATES, 2022
- Figure 4:
- CONSUMPTION OF PRIMARY NUTRIENTS BY HORTICULTURAL CROPS IN KG/HECTARE, UNITED STATES, 2022
- Figure 5:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN METRIC TON, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 6:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 7:
- CRF CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY COATING TYPE IN METRIC TON, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 8:
- CRF CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY COATING TYPE IN USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 9:
- CRF CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VOLUME BY COATING TYPE IN %, UNITED STATES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 10:
- CRF CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY COATING TYPE IN %, UNITED STATES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 11:
- POLYMER COATED CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN METRIC TON, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 12:
- POLYMER COATED CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 13:
- POLYMER COATED CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY CROP TYPE IN %, UNITED STATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 14:
- POLYMER-SULFUR COATED CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN METRIC TON, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 15:
- POLYMER-SULFUR COATED CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 16:
- POLYMER-SULFUR COATED CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY CROP TYPE IN %, UNITED STATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 17:
- OTHERS CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN METRIC TON, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 18:
- OTHERS CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 19:
- OTHERS CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY CROP TYPE IN %, UNITED STATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 20:
- CRF CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY CROP TYPE IN METRIC TON, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 21:
- CRF CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY CROP TYPE IN USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 22:
- CRF CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VOLUME BY CROP TYPE IN %, UNITED STATES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 23:
- CRF CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY CROP TYPE IN %, UNITED STATES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 24:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY FIELD CROPS IN METRIC TON, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 25:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY FIELD CROPS IN USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 26:
- FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY COATING TYPE IN %, UNITED STATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 27:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY HORTICULTURAL CROPS IN METRIC TON, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 28:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY HORTICULTURAL CROPS IN USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 29:
- FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY COATING TYPE IN %, UNITED STATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 30:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY TURF & ORNAMENTAL IN METRIC TON, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 31:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY TURF & ORNAMENTAL IN USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 32:
- FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY COATING TYPE IN %, UNITED STATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 33:
- MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 34:
- UNITED STATES CONTROLLED RELEASE FERTILIZER MARKET, MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, 2018 - 2021
- Figure 35:
- MARKET SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS IN %, UNITED STATES
United States Controlled Release Fertilizer Industry Segmentation
Polymer Coated, Polymer-Sulfur Coated, Others are covered as segments by Coating Type. Field Crops, Horticultural Crops, Turf & Ornamental are covered as segments by Crop Type.Coating Type | Polymer Coated |
Polymer-Sulfur Coated | |
Others | |
Crop Type | Field Crops |
Horticultural Crops | |
Turf & Ornamental |
Polymer Coated |
Polymer-Sulfur Coated |
Others |
Field Crops |
Horticultural Crops |
Turf & Ornamental |
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 - Urea & Complex
- 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