Controlled Release Fertilizers Market Size

The global controlled release fertilizers market size was valued at $2.17 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $3.35 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.

Controlled Release Fertilizers Market Overview

Controlled Release fertilizers (CRFs) are a type of fertilizer designed to gradually release nutrients to plants over an extended period, thus providing a more consistent and sustained nutrient supply compared to conventional fertilizers. These fertilizers are engineered with special coatings or matrices that regulate the release of nutrients based on factors such as soil temperature, moisture levels, and microbial activity. By delivering nutrients in a controlled manner, CRFs help optimize nutrient uptake by plants, minimize nutrient leaching into the environment, and reduce the frequency of fertilizer applications. CRFs are widely used in agriculture, horticulture, and landscaping to support healthy plant growth while promoting sustainable farming practices.

Controlled Release Fertilizers Market Dynamics

• The controlled release fertilizers market is expected to witness significant growth in the future due to the increasing demand for high-efficiency fertilizers to improve crop yields, growing awareness about sustainable agriculture practices and environmental concerns, and technological advancements leading to innovative formulations and application methods.

• Additionally, the government initiatives promoting the use of controlled release fertilizers for soil conservation and water quality management, rising adoption of precision agriculture techniques driving demand for advanced fertilizers, and increasing research and development activities to develop cost-effective and eco-friendly CRFs are the prominent factors driving the growth of the controlled release fertilizers market.

• However, the higher initial costs compared to conventional fertilizers, limited availability of raw materials for manufacturing controlled release fertilizers, and lack of awareness and education among farmers about the benefits and proper use of CRFs are restraining the market growth.

• On the contrary, the expansion of agriculture and horticulture industries in emerging economies, potential for market expansion in regions with intensifying agriculture and changing climate conditions, and partnerships and collaborations between fertilizer companies and agricultural research institutions to develop customized solutions is creating opportunities for market growth.

By Type, the Coated and Encapsulated Fertilizers Segment Holds the Dominant Position in the Market Revenue

Globally, the coated & encapsulated fertilizers are the leading type of controlled-release fertilizers owing to their wide adoption and their broad availability across both developed as well as developing economies. Controlled release fertilizers with polyolefin resin coating is becoming extremely popular across agri-dominant economies due to their highly-controlled nutrient release characteristics. Use of a variety of organic and synthetic polymer coating to encapsulate fertilizers has emerged as a crucial method of increasing nutrient uptake in plants and promote healthy growth within them, several studies conducted in the past years have suggested the same.

Furthermore, the proliferating research on the production of biodegradable and cost-effective coating polymers for fertilizers is expected to further promote the growth of the segment. In the upcoming years focus on the development of controlled-release fertilizers using zeolites is projected to increase as they are economical and have better environmental performance.

By Geography, North America Region is having a Strong Presence in the Controlled Release Fertilizers Market

North America is expected to have a huge demand in the forecast period due to the growing awareness among farmers about the benefits of controlled release fertilizers in improving crop yield and optimizing nutrient utilization. These fertilizers provide a steady and sustained release of nutrients over an extended period, reducing the frequency of application and minimizing nutrient losses through leaching or volatilization. Additionally, with increasing concerns about environmental sustainability and regulations on fertilizer use, controlled release fertilizers offer a more environmentally friendly option by reducing nutrient runoff and minimizing adverse impacts on soil and water quality. Moreover, the adoptions of precision agriculture techniques and advancements in fertilizer technology have further fueled the demand for controlled release fertilizers in North America. As farmers strive for greater efficiency and productivity in their operations, they are increasingly turning to innovative solutions like controlled release fertilizers to meet their nutrient management needs effectively. 

• According to the US Department of Agriculture, in 2021, the United States increased its agricultural land to accommodate the planting of 94 million acres of corn and 85 million acres of soybeans. This expansion led to higher consumption of nitrogenous fertilizers, which in turn supported the growth of domestic crop production within the country.

Key Target Audience:

• Agricultural Suppliers

• Crop Consultants

• Agricultural Researchers

• Environmental Organizations

• Fertilizer Manufacturers 

List of the Key Players Profiled in the Report Includes: 

• Yara 

• Nutrien Ltd. 

• Mosaic  

• ICL  

• Nufarm 

• Kingenta 

• ScottsMiracle-Gro

• Koch Industries, Inc. 

• COMPO EXPERT 

• SQM 

• Haifa Negev Technologies Ltd 

• JCAM AGRI Co., Ltd.

Recent Developments:

• In May 2022, ICL entered into Framework agreements with clients in India and China for the provision of 600,000 and 700,000 metric tons of potash, respectively, during the year 2022, priced at 590 USD per ton.

• In June 2021, Nutrien Ltd., the leading global provider of crop services and solutions, revealed the deployment of the Cat?(R) Command for Dozing remote-control system at its Aurora, NC, Phosphate facility. This initiative aims to enhance workplace safety and reliability. 

Market Segmentation:

The research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry analysis with size, share, and forecast for the below segments:

Market by, Type:

• Slow-Release Fertilizers

o Urea-Formaldehyde

o Urea Isobutyraldehyde

o Urea Acetaldehyde

o Other Slow-Release Fertilizers

• Coated & Encapsulated Fertilizers

o Sulfur-Coated 

o Polymer-Coated 

o Sulfur Polymer-Coated

o Other Coated & Encapsulated Fertilizers

• Nitrogen Stabilizers

o Nitrification Inhibitors

o Urease Inhibitors

Market by, Mode of Application:

• Fertigation

• Foliar

• Soil

• Other Mode of Applications

Market by, End User: 

• Agriculture

o Cereals & Grains

o Oilseeds & Pulses

o Vegetables 

o Fruits

o Plantation Crops

• Non-Agriculture

o Turf & Ornamentals

o Nurseries & Greenhouses

o Other Non-Agricultural Crops

Market by, Geography:

The controlled release fertilizers market report also analyzes the major geographic regions and countries of the market. The regions and countries covered in the study include:

• North America (The United States, Canada, Mexico), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis.

• Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis.

• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia Pacific), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Rest of South America), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis.

• Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis.

Scope of the Report:

The report oControlled Release Fertilizers Market: Industry Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast up to 2030o by Diligence Insights provides a detailed analysis of the present market and future outlook with market estimates and forecasts for all specified segments, encompassing both global and regional perspectives as outlined within the research framework. The study includes historical market data for the years 2022, 2023 and offers revenue estimations for 2024, and project forecasts spanning from 2025 to 2030. It places significant emphasis on the examination of market trends, key industry participants, supply chain developments, technological advancements, pivotal milestones, and prospective strategies. Comprehensive market assessments are carried out across major geographic regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa. As such, this report constitutes a valuable resource for current industry stakeholders, newcomers to the field, and potential investors.

The study offers an in-depth market analysis, drawing insights from industry experts across the value chain. A special focus has been made on 25 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, among others. The market data has been meticulously collected through extensive primary interviews and comprehensive secondary research. Market size determination is rooted in the revenue generated from sales across all the specified segments and sub-segments as defined within the research scope. The market sizing analysis includes both top-down and bottom-up approaches for data validation and accuracy measures.

The report offers insights into the following aspects:

• Analysis of major market trends, factors driving, restraining, threatening, and providing opportunities for the market.

• Analysis of the market structure by identifying various segments and sub-segments of the market.

• Understand the revenue forecast of the market for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.

• Analysis of opportunities by identification of high-growth segments/revenue pockets in the market.

• Understand major player profiles in the market and analyze their business strategies.

• Understand competitive developments such as joint ventures, alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and new product launches in the market.