United States Fertilizers Market Size and Share

United States Fertilizers Market Summary
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United States Fertilizers Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The United States fertilizers market size stood at USD 29.92 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 38.07 billion by 2030, reflecting a 4.9% CAGR across the period. Strong demand for crop nutrients, growing adoption of precision agriculture, and policy incentives that reward enhanced-efficiency fertilizer use are sustaining revenue growth even as regulatory pressures tighten. Producers are investing in clean-ammonia capacity on the Gulf Coast to hedge natural gas volatility and meet emerging sustainability criteria. Meanwhile, intermodal logistics upgrades along the Mississippi River corridor are lowering delivered costs for Midwestern growers and helping the market absorb feedstock price shocks. Competitive intensity is rising as the five largest suppliers pursue vertical integration, expand digital agriculture platforms, and reposition portfolios toward specialty and controlled-release formulations.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By type, straight fertilizers led the United States fertilizers market with a 77.9% share in 2024 and are projected to advance at a 5.0% CAGR through 2030.
  • By form, conventional products accounted for 76.6% of revenue in 2024; specialty formulations are forecast to grow at a 5.4% CAGR to 2030 as controlled-release and liquid offerings gain traction.
  • By crop type, field crops held an 87.1% share of the United States fertilizers market size in 2024, whereas horticultural crops are expanding at an 8.9% CAGR to 2030.
  • By application mode, soil held a 78.2% share of the United States fertilizers market in 2024, whereas fertigation is forecasted to grow at a 5.3% CAGR during the forecast period.
  • Nutrien, CF Industries, Mosaic, The Andersons Inc., and Yara are the major players, underscoring moderate concentration in the United States fertilizer market.

Segment Analysis

By Type: Straight Fertilizers Maintain Market Leadership

Straight fertilizers captured 77.9% of 2024 revenue in the United States fertilizers market because their single-nutrient formulations align neatly with precision variable-rate prescriptions that target soil-specific deficiencies. The United States fertilizers market size for straight formulations is projected to expand at a 5.0% CAGR through 2030 as corn and soybean acreage remains robust. Corn plantings reached 94.1 million acres in 2024 and continue to rely on high nitrogen rates, driving stable demand. For complex fertilizers, their blanket nutrient ratios often fail to align with site-specific prescriptions, thereby limiting growth. Micronutrients such as zinc and boron are increasing by 15-20% annually, as grid soil sampling identifies yield-limiting deficiencies in intensive rotations. Secondary nutrient demand, especially sulfur, is rebounding because industrial sulfur deposition has fallen sharply since 1990, pushing many soils below sufficiency thresholds.

Field-level economics still favor straight nutrients for large operations because retailers can blend to precise formulas at the point of sale. However, smaller farms and areas with limited custom application services continue to use complex grades for convenience. The United States fertilizers market share for micronutrient additives is likely to rise as more states document widespread deficiencies. Targeted iron applications in Minnesota and North Dakota lifted soybean yields by up to 12 bushels per acre, demonstrating the return on investment. Producers are therefore packaging micronutrients with bulk NPK blends to capture emerging high-margin revenue streams. Straight products will keep commanding the largest share, yet supplementary nutrients will provide incremental growth.

United States Fertilizers Market: Market Share by By Type

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

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By Form: Specialty Products Gain Momentum

Conventional granular and prilled fertilizers delivered 76.6% of sales in 2024 owing to established supply chains, low per-unit cost, and compatibility with existing spreader equipment. Nevertheless, specialty formulations are expanding at a 5.4% CAGR as growers increasingly weigh environmental compliance and nutrient use efficiency. Controlled-release fertilizers such as polymer-coated urea allow steady nitrogen availability that synchronizes with crop uptake, leading to an adoption growth of 25% in Corn Belt corn systems. The United States fertilizers market size for specialty forms is bolstered by liquid solutions that integrate with sprayer fleets for variable-rate placement. Water-soluble formulations command high premiums in greenhouse and hydroponic operations where precise nutrient dosing curbs waste and boosts quality.

EPA Worker Protection Standards favor products that limit dust and applicator exposure, nudging demand toward liquids and coated granules. Nutrien reported significant revenue growth in its specialty division in 2024, citing strong orders for controlled-release and liquid products used in precision agriculture. The growth trajectory is expected to accelerate because specialty blends qualify for carbon programs and tax rebates that require demonstrated increases in nutrient efficiency, positioning them as multipurpose solutions in a tightening regulatory environment.

By Application Type: Fertigation Technology Reshapes Nutrient Delivery

Soil application maintains a dominant market position with 78.2% share in 2024, reflecting the established infrastructure and cost advantages of broadcast and banded application methods that serve large-scale commodity production systems efficiently. Broadcast applications remain prevalent in wheat and soybean production, where uniform nutrient distribution across extensive acreage justifies lower per-acre application costs despite reduced efficiency compared to precision methods.

Fertigation emerges as the fastest-growing application method, with a 5.3% CAGR through 2030, driven by the adoption of precision agriculture and water-use efficiency requirements that align nutrient delivery with irrigation timing for optimal plant uptake. This growth trajectory reflects the technology's ability to reduce fertilizer waste by 20-30% compared to broadcast applications while enabling real-time nutrient adjustments based on crop growth stages and soil conditions

By Crop Type: Horticultural Demand Accelerates

Field crops consumed 87.1% of total fertilizer in 2024, reflective of the dominant footprint of corn, soybean, and wheat across 240 million harvested acres. Corn alone accounts for nearly 45% of national nitrogen consumption, with average rates in the Corn Belt ranging between 140 and 160 pounds per acre. Soybeans sustain phosphate and potash demand, whereas wheat drives balanced NPK usage. The expansion of corn ethanol production adds incremental tonnage requirements as growers seek to achieve yield gains to meet renewable fuel demand.

Horticultural crops, although smaller in volume, are the fastest-growing, with an 8.9% CAGR, driven by rising consumer demand for fresh produce and nuts. California’s Central Valley alone accounts for 40% of horticultural fertilizer tonnage and features a product mix dominated by controlled-release and water-soluble grades, which command premium pricing. The United States fertilizer market share for micronutrient treatments is particularly high in tree crops, where zinc and boron correct common deficiencies in alkaline soils. Turf and ornamental uses remain a niche yet steady consumer, benefiting from controlled-release formulations that meet municipal nutrient run-off limits while maintaining turf quality for golf courses and sports fields.

United States Fertilizers Market: Market Share by By Crop Type
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Geography Analysis

Regional fertilizer demand closely mirrors crop patterns and logistics economics nationwide. The Corn Belt comprising Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, and Ohio accounts for the largest share of national consumption, yet represents just 15% of agricultural land, a testament to the nitrogen-intensive nature of corn and soybean production. The high adoption of precision agriculture, exceeding 75% in certain counties, enables growers to adjust application rates without compromising yields, thereby helping the region balance runoff regulations and profitability.

The Great Plains exhibit a distinct demand rhythm, shaped by variable rainfall and a diverse mix of crops, including corn, wheat, sorghum, and cotton. Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas are the major consuming regions. Texas leads the sub-region, given its 27 million harvested acres and ports that receive imported potash and phosphate at competitive cost. Rail transport remains critical for inland delivery, adding USD 15-25 per ton for operations far from coastal terminals. Nevertheless, barge network investments are starting to reverse that disadvantage by routing Gulf Coast imports upriver at lower expense.

California is a distinctive market dominated by high-value horticulture and specialty fertilizers. The product mix in the state skews heavily toward controlled-release and liquid nutrients that deliver precise dosing. Stringent environmental rules under the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program push the adoption of enhanced-efficiency products and soil moisture sensors that reduce leaching. Logistics rely on coastal terminals and a dense retailer network that provides just-in-time deliveries to thousands of small, high-value farms.

Competitive Landscape

The United States fertilizers market remains moderately concentrated. Nutrien leads through an integrated model that spans production, distribution, and a 1,700-store retail network. CF Industries follows with low-cost nitrogen production anchored by Gulf Coast gas access. Mosaic controls the market through phosphate mining in Florida and Louisiana. Integration is increasing; Koch’s USD 3.6 billion purchase of Iowa Fertilizer Company consolidated 1.4 million tons of nitrogen capacity under single ownership and enhanced upstream control.

Technology investment is now a core differentiator. Large suppliers allocate USD 200-300 million yearly to digital agronomy services that pair soil analytics with prescription sales. These platforms deepen customer relationships, lock in product loyalty, and generate subscription revenue beyond tonnage. Specialty fertilizers provide another growth vector; smaller firms such as Haifa Group and ICL leverage product innovation and technical support to carve profitable niches in horticulture and turf. Regulatory and carbon pressures could accelerate market realignment by favoring firms that offer proven solutions for nutrient efficiency and emission reduction.

Natural gas volatility remains a strategic wildcard. Producers with hedged feedstock or green-ammonia projects on the Gulf Coast hold cost advantages. Imports also play a balancing role; North American producers monitor global price spreads to gauge export opportunities, especially with new low-carbon product grades attracting premium contracts. Overall, the competitive environment is shifting from volume competition toward service-driven and sustainability-anchored value propositions.

United States Fertilizers Industry Leaders

  1. CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

  2. Nutrien Ltd.

  3. The Andersons Inc.

  4. The Mosaic Company

  5. Yara International ASA

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
United States Fertilizer Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • November 2024: The Andersons, Inc. launched Aero-Blitz and Aero-Mino, low-rate aerial-application fertilizers suitable for drones, helicopters, and aircraft. The new products are designed to enhance nutrient efficiency and coverage in U.S. row-crop production.
  • October 2024: ICL launched the Peters Professional Canna+ fertilizer system, designed specifically for the North American market. Each component of the Peters Professional Canna+ CEA program has been carefully selected to support hydroponic cannabis cultivation in controlled growing environments.
  • June 2023: ICL launched a new line of water-soluble fertilizers under its Nova brand. These include Nova PULSE, Nova FINISH, Nova ELEVATE, and Nova FLOW, designed for high-performance fertigation and foliar solutions.

Table of Contents for United States Fertilizers Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study​
  • 1.3 Research Methodology

2. REPORT OFFERS

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS

4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS

  • 4.1 Acreage Of Major Crop Types
    • 4.1.1 Field Crops
    • 4.1.2 Horticultural Crops
  • 4.2 Average Nutrient Application Rates
    • 4.2.1 Micronutrients
    • 4.2.1.1 Field Crops
    • 4.2.1.2 Horticultural Crops
    • 4.2.2 Primary Nutrients
    • 4.2.2.1 Field Crops
    • 4.2.2.2 Horticultural Crops
    • 4.2.3 Secondary Macronutrients
    • 4.2.3.1 Field Crops
    • 4.2.3.2 Horticultural Crops
  • 4.3 Regulatory Framework
  • 4.4 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
  • 4.5 Market Drivers
    • 4.5.1 Precision agriculture adoption and technology integration
    • 4.5.2 Enhanced-efficiency fertilizer development and policy support
    • 4.5.3 Commodity price impacts on farmer purchasing power
    • 4.5.4 Regenerative farming and carbon-credit programs
    • 4.5.5 Gulf Coast green-ammonia capacity build-out
    • 4.5.6 Mississippi intermodal fertilizer corridors
  • 4.6 Market Restraints
    • 4.6.1 Natural gas price volatility effects on nitrogen costs
    • 4.6.2 Tighter nutrient-runoff regulations
    • 4.6.3 Biologic nutrition substitutes in specialty crops
    • 4.6.4 Aging ammonia pipeline network risks

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 Type
    • 5.1.1 Complex
    • 5.1.2 Straight
    • 5.1.2.1 Micronutrients
    • 5.1.2.1.1 Boron
    • 5.1.2.1.2 Copper
    • 5.1.2.1.3 Iron
    • 5.1.2.1.4 Manganese
    • 5.1.2.1.5 Molybdenum
    • 5.1.2.1.6 Zinc
    • 5.1.2.1.7 Others
    • 5.1.2.2 Nitrogenous
    • 5.1.2.2.1 Ammonium Nitrate
    • 5.1.2.2.2 Anhydrous Ammonia
    • 5.1.2.2.3 Urea
    • 5.1.2.2.4 Others
    • 5.1.2.3 Phosphatic
    • 5.1.2.3.1 DAP
    • 5.1.2.3.2 MAP
    • 5.1.2.3.3 SSP
    • 5.1.2.3.4 TSP
    • 5.1.2.4 Potassic
    • 5.1.2.4.1 MoP
    • 5.1.2.4.2 SoP
    • 5.1.2.4.3 Others
    • 5.1.2.5 Secondary Macronutrients
    • 5.1.2.5.1 Calcium
    • 5.1.2.5.2 Magnesium
    • 5.1.2.5.3 Sulfur
  • 5.2 Form
    • 5.2.1 Conventional
    • 5.2.2 Speciality
    • 5.2.2.1 CRF
    • 5.2.2.2 Liquid Fertilizer
    • 5.2.2.3 SRF
    • 5.2.2.4 Water Soluble
  • 5.3 Application
    • 5.3.1 Soil
    • 5.3.2 Foliar
    • 5.3.3 Fertigation
  • 5.4 Crop Type
    • 5.4.1 Field Crops
    • 5.4.2 Horticultural Crops
    • 5.4.3 Turf & Ornamental

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Key Strategic Moves
  • 6.2 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.3 Company Landscape
  • 6.4 Company Profiles
    • 6.4.1 CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
    • 6.4.2 Nutrien Ltd.
    • 6.4.3 The Mosaic Company
    • 6.4.4 The Andersons Inc.
    • 6.4.5 Yara International ASA
    • 6.4.6 Haifa Group
    • 6.4.7 ICL Group Ltd
    • 6.4.8 Koch Industries Inc.
    • 6.4.9 Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA
    • 6.4.10 Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC (Wilbur-Ellis Holdings Inc.)
    • 6.4.11 Intrepid Potash Inc.
    • 6.4.12 Compass Minerals International Inc.
    • 6.4.13 J.R. Simplot Company
    • 6.4.14 Growmark Inc.
    • 6.4.15 CHS Inc.
  • *List Not Exhaustive

7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR FERTILIZERS CEOS

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United States Fertilizers Market Report Scope

Complex, Straight are covered as segments by Type. Conventional, Speciality are covered as segments by Form. Fertigation, Foliar, Soil are covered as segments by Application Mode. Field Crops, Horticultural Crops, Turf & Ornamental are covered as segments by Crop Type.
Type
Complex
Straight Micronutrients Boron
Copper
Iron
Manganese
Molybdenum
Zinc
Others
Nitrogenous Ammonium Nitrate
Anhydrous Ammonia
Urea
Others
Phosphatic DAP
MAP
SSP
TSP
Potassic MoP
SoP
Others
Secondary Macronutrients Calcium
Magnesium
Sulfur
Form
Conventional
Speciality CRF
Liquid Fertilizer
SRF
Water Soluble
Application
Soil
Foliar
Fertigation
Crop Type
Field Crops
Horticultural Crops
Turf & Ornamental
Type Complex
Straight Micronutrients Boron
Copper
Iron
Manganese
Molybdenum
Zinc
Others
Nitrogenous Ammonium Nitrate
Anhydrous Ammonia
Urea
Others
Phosphatic DAP
MAP
SSP
TSP
Potassic MoP
SoP
Others
Secondary Macronutrients Calcium
Magnesium
Sulfur
Form Conventional
Speciality CRF
Liquid Fertilizer
SRF
Water Soluble
Application Soil
Foliar
Fertigation
Crop Type Field Crops
Horticultural Crops
Turf & Ornamental
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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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