As per Intent Market Research, the Controlled-release Fertilizers (CRF) market size accounted for USD 2.7 billion in 2023-e and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. Sustainability and environmental concerns is fueling the growth of Controlled-release Fertilizers market

The use of controlled-release fertilizers in agriculture industry improve both crop productivity and address environmental issues. Through slow nutrient release, these fertilizers reduce environmental impact and encourage sustainability. Sustainability and environmental concerns, growing world population, rising food prices and technological advancements in agriculture industry is boosting the growth of this market. As these factors keep connecting and changing, the market for controlled-release fertilizers is expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Dynamics

Sustainability and Environmental Concerns will Drive the Market       

Demand for controlled-release fertilizers has surged as a result of growing awareness of and concerns about sustainability and its impact on the environment. These fertilizers support sustainable farming methods, lessen environmental pollution, and minimize nutrient runoff. Fertilizer use in agriculture has been attributed for the significant rise in food, feed, and fiber production.

Despite this, plants do not absorb a substantial amount of nutrients from added fertilizer. Through nitrification, volatilization, or leaching, these nutrients are lost. As controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) are made to synchronize the release of nutrients by plant requirements, they can be used to mitigate the issues caused by these losses. By using CRF to directly or indirectly delay desired plant growth phases, crop yields can be raised in an environmentally friendly way.

Lack of Awareness among Farmers is Hindering the Use of Controlled-release Fertilizers.

One of the biggest barriers to the widespread use of CRF is a lack of farmer knowledge. There is still a lack of knowledge among farmers regarding the advantages and appropriate usage of CRF, which makes it more difficult to incorporate into conventional farming methods. This ignorance is a result of both the complicated makeup of these fertilizers and a lack of thorough educational initiatives. The full potential of CRF can only be realized by bridging this information gap because knowledgeable farmers are better able to make sustainable decisions.

Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Segment Insights

CRF Market Growth is Driven by the Coated & Encapsulated Fertilizers Segment

In 2023, coated & encapsulated CRF hold the largest market. Its widespread availability and adoption in both developed and developing economies is responsible for this segment's substantial market share. The primary drivers of the growth of the coated & encapsulated fertilizers market are factors like the rising demand for high-value crops and the expanding global production of fertilizer and urea products.

Source: Intent Market Research Analysis

Rising Adoption of Precision Agriculture Techniques is Growing the Demand for Synthetic Fertilizers

In the CRF market, synthetic fertilizers are anticipated to make up the largest share. Industrially produced or extracted from minerals, synthetic fertilizers are inorganic substances created by humans. The demand for synthetic fertilizers is being driven by the growing use of precision agriculture techniques, which maximize crop yields and resource efficiency through precise nutrient application.

Enhanced Crop Yields and Resource Efficiency is boosting Soil Segment

Soil as a mode of application serves as a pivotal driver for the burgeoning growth of CRF market. This technique maximizes plant uptake and reduces waste by guaranteeing targeted and continuous nutrient delivery straight to the root zone. Enhanced crop yields and resource efficiency are promoted by increased agricultural efficiency brought about by the smooth integration of CRF into the soil. This application method is in line with precision farming techniques and provides a sustainable way to address nutrient deficiencies with less negative environmental effects.

Granule Fertilizers are Paving the Way for Uniform Nutrient Distribution

Granular fertilizers guarantee uniform nutrient distribution throughout the field, encouraging balanced plant growth and reducing the frequency of application. The labor and operating expenses related to frequent fertilization are also decreased by this method. Granular CRF also lessens the chance of nutrient pollution in water bodies, which promotes environmental sustainability.

Non-agriculture Segment within the End-use is Driving Market Growth

Throughout the forecast period, the non-agriculture segment is expected to hold the largest market share. This can be linked to the non-agricultural sectors' increasing need for CRFs due to rising purchasing power and environmental concerns.  Different non-agricultural segments, such as turf & ornamental, nurseries & greenhouse contribute significantly to the growth of CRF market. In the field of turf & ornamental, CRF guarantees a consistent supply of nutrients for lush lawns and colorful ornamental plants, improving the overall appearance. The exact nutrient release provided by CRF helps nurseries and greenhouse operations maximize plant growth in regulated settings.

Asia-Pacific is Poised for Significant Market Growth in the Forecast period

In 2023, the global market for CRFs was led by the Asia-Pacific region. China was the country that consumed the largest amount of CRFs globally, with India and Japan following closely behind. In these countries, the demand for CRF is anticipated to rise more quickly in the upcoming years than that for conventional fertilizers.

Major Industry Players are Enhancing their Positions by Actively Launching Controlled-release Fertilizers

CRF market is characterized by intense competition due to the presence of numerous international and domestic players. The CRF market, in particular, is dominated by key players such as COMPO EXPERT, Haifa, Helena Chemicals, ICL, Kingenta, Koch, Mosaic, Nufarm, Nutrien, ScottsMiracle-Gro, SQM and Yara. These industry leaders primarily focused on acquiring smaller players and innovating their product lines to cater to changing consumer preferences and needs. The success of market players is heavily dependent on their ability to adapt to changing market trends and consumer preferences.

• In September 2023, ICL introduced the industry-first Biodegradable CRF Technology, eqo.x. The first product to offer a CRF coating for urea is Eqo. x release technology.
• In September, 2023 Sollio Agriculture opened CRF Agritech, a new facility in St. Thomas, Ontario, that produces controlled-release fertilizers.
• In August 2021, to produce fertilizer crops with a low carbon footprint at Yara's plant in Porsgrunn, Norway, Yara International ASA partnered with Nel Hydrogen Electrolyser. Through the PILOT-E presentation, this plan was approved by Innovation Norway, Enova, and the Research Council of Norway.

Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Coverage

The report provides key insights into the controlled-release fertilizers market, and it focuses on technological developments, trends, and initiatives taken by the government in this sector. The report delves into market drivers, restraints, and opportunities, and analyzes key players and the competitive landscape within the market.

Report Scope