North America Controlled Release Fertilizer Market Size
Study Period | 2017 - 2030 | |
Market Size (2024) | USD 570.1 Million | |
Market Size (2030) | USD 900.4 Million | |
Largest Share by Coating Type | Polymer Coated | |
CAGR (2024 - 2030) | 7.91 % | |
Largest Share by Country | United States | |
Major Players |
||
|
||
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
North America Controlled Release Fertilizer Market Analysis
The North America Controlled Release Fertilizer Market size is estimated at 570.1 million USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 900.4 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.91% during the forecast period (2024-2030).
570.1 Million
Market Size in 2024 (USD)
900.4 Million
Market Size in 2030 (USD)
9.71 %
CAGR (2017-2023)
7.91 %
CAGR (2024-2030)
Largest Segment by Type
55.87 %
value share, Straight, 2023
Straight fertilizers are the most consumed fertilizer, as Nitrogen is the most yield-limiting nutrient for crop growth and farmers are highly adapted to its usage.
Largest Segment by Coating Type
76.46 %
value share, Polymer Coated, 2023
Polymer coated fertilizers are very effective in supplying all the primary and secondary nutrients coupled with micronutrients and reduce the need for multiple applications.
Largest Segment by Crop Type
88.28 %
value share, Field Crops, 2023
The demand for cereals such as corn, wheat, oilseeds, and rice is projected to be high in the future, thus fueling the demand for controlled release fertilizers.
Largest segment by Country
71.48 %
value share, United States, 2023
United States of America accounts for about 69% of the total agricultural crop area in the region and one of the major producers of fertilizers in the North American region.
Leading Market Player
43.83 %
market share, Nutrien Ltd., 2022
Nutrien Limited offers premium technology fertilizer products sucha as CRF Urea under brand name ESN smart nitrogen that provide liquid fertilizers and Smart Nutrition.
Initiatives toward achieving right amount of nutrients at the right time will increase the CRFs adoption in the region
- Between 2017 and 2021, the North American controlled-release fertilizers market witnessed a 9.1% growth. Precision farming, a widely embraced approach in the region, prioritizes timely and precise nutrient delivery to crops. Controlled-release fertilizers, in this context, assume a pivotal role, ensuring crops receive optimal nutrient dosages, thus becoming integral to precision farming.
- In 2022, field crops dominated the North American controlled-release fertilizers market, capturing 81.1% of the market share. Horticultural crops accounted for 15.8%. Controlled-release fertilizers found extensive usage in high-value crops like cereals, grains, vegetables, orchards, and nurseries. While specialty chemical adoption in row crops is not yet widespread, it is gradually rising due to surging grain prices, heightened environmental concerns, and stricter nutrient application regulations.
- In 2022, the United States led the consumption of controlled-release fertilizers, accounting for 73.0%. This dominance can be attributed to the nation's regulations governing nutrient application rates and fertilizer pollution control.
- Recognizing the technological strides in the fertilizer industry, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have collaborated with key stakeholders like The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Their collective aim is to raise awareness about controlled-release fertilizers among farmers, with a positive ripple effect anticipated on the country's field crop production.
Environmental concerns about excessive use of fertilizers and reduced nitrogen use by major crops may drive the CRF market
- In 2022, the United States recorded 28.7% share of the controlled-release fertilizer market. The market grew by 6.9% during the study period. Polymer coating emerged as the clear leader, commanding a 72.3% share in 2022. Around 69% of the US cropland is dedicated to field crops, including barley, corn, cotton, oats, peanuts, sorghum, soybeans, and wheat. Given the high nitrogen requirements of these crops, the adoption of polymer-coated urea, known for its nitrogen efficiency, is on the rise, further bolstering the market share of polymer-coated fertilizers.
- Canada is witnessing a surge in the cultivation of field crops like wheat, canola, and maize. To support this trend, the Canadian government, through initiatives like Farm Credit Canada, is facilitating increased credit accessibility for farmers, specifically for inputs like controlled-release fertilizers. This favorable environment is poised to propel the controlled-release fertilizer market in Canada in the coming years.
- In 2021, the Mexican legislature approved a USD 2.70 billion budget for the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) in its 2022 Federal Government Budget. Around 70% of this allocation was earmarked for fertilizer subsidies. This is expected to be a key driver for the controlled-release fertilizer market in Mexico.
- The Rest of North America is witnessing a surge in the adoption of controlled-release fertilizers driven by the push for precision agriculture practices and climate-smart initiatives. These measures address environmental concerns and promote sustainable farming practices.
- Across the region, the imperative to boost field crop production, coupled with robust government initiatives and growing farmer awareness, sets the stage for a promising market outlook in the coming years.
North America Controlled Release Fertilizer Market Trends
The financial support by the government such as subsidies has contributed to the expansion of field crops
- A wide array of crops are grown on North American farms, mainly covering field crops. Corn, Cotton, Rice, Soybean, and Wheat are some of the dominating field crops across the region. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are major contributors to the region's agricultural output. In 2022, field crops covered around 97.6% of the overall cultivation in North America, with cereals and oilseeds dominating the market.
- By country, the United States dominates the market, covering 135.7 million hectares of the overall area under crop cultivation during the study period. Among them, field crops and horticulture are covering the majority of the area and accounted for 97.2% and 2.8% in 2022. However, between 2018-2019, the country witnessed a significant dip in crop acreages which is majorly due to unfavorable environmental conditions resulting in heavy floods in areas like Texas and Houston.
- The largest crop cultivated is corn, the majority of which is grown in a region known as the 'Corn Belt' traditional area in the midwestern United States, roughly covering western Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, eastern Nebraska, and eastern Kansas, in which corn (maize) and soybeans are the dominant crops. Also, It is the major rice exporter, and the rice cultivation in the region is mainly concentrated within 4 regions with three in the South and one in California. Therefore, the increased market potential for the region's field crop, coupled with the increased government funding and protection is anticipated to positively drive the area under field crop cultivation in the region.
Among all the primary nutrients, nitrogen is applied in a higher quantity for field crops
- Field crops, such as rice, corn/maize, wheat, and rapeseed/canola, are some of the major primary nutrient-consuming crops in the region. In 2022, about 140.85 kg/hectare of primary nutrients were consumed by rice, followed by 118.40 kg/hectare consumed by rapeseed/canola. Cereals are anticipated to consume the maximum amount of nitrogen fertilizer. As they are grown intensively in the region, they deplete the nutrients in the soil and require more fertilizers to supplement growth.
- Among all the primary nutrients, nitrogen is applied in a higher quantity, accounting for about 74.0% in 2022, equivalent to 229.8 kg/hectare for field crops. Nitrogen deficiency, however, is one of the most prevalent crop nutrient problems in the region. Hence, most of the nitrogen supplement is provided through soil application. When applied to the soil, nitrogen is converted to mineral nitrate for the plants to absorb easily. Rapeseed, the major nitrogen-consuming crop, is widely grown in the United States.
- Rapeseed is used for extracting oil for industrial applications, like lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and plastics. While fertilizer usage is based on soil quality and rainfall potential, its nitrogen requirements range from 100 to 150 lbs/acre. Phosphorus and potassium fertility rates also vary from soil to soil. However, the recommended rates range from 0 to 80 lbs/acre and 0 to 140 lbs/acre, as per the AgMRC.
- Since primary nutrients are the major sources of nutrients for various crops, their application rates are anticipated to grow significantly over the years due to soil depletion, leaching, etc.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Agriculture extension services provided by the government to farmers are expected to drive the cultivation area under horticulture crops
- Cabbage, tomato, and cauliflower are among the major nitrogen-consuming crops in North American countries
North America Controlled Release Fertilizer Industry Overview
The North America Controlled Release Fertilizer Market is fairly consolidated, with the top five companies occupying 101.74%. The major players in this market are Grupa Azoty S.A. (Compo Expert), Haifa Group, ICL Group Ltd, New Mountain Capital (Florikan) and Nutrien Ltd. (sorted alphabetically).
North America Controlled Release Fertilizer Market Leaders
Grupa Azoty S.A. (Compo Expert)
Haifa Group
ICL Group Ltd
New Mountain Capital (Florikan)
Nutrien Ltd.
Other important companies include AgroLiquid.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order.
North America 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.
North America Controlled Release Fertilizer Market Report - Table of Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
2. REPORT OFFERS
3. INTRODUCTION
- 3.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
- 3.2 Scope of the Study
- 3.3 Research Methodology
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 Primary Nutrients
- 4.2.1.1 Field Crops
- 4.2.1.2 Horticultural Crops
- 4.3 Regulatory Framework
- 4.4 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)
-
5.1 Coating Type
- 5.1.1 Polymer Coated
- 5.1.2 Polymer-Sulfur Coated
- 5.1.3 Others
-
5.2 Crop Type
- 5.2.1 Field Crops
- 5.2.2 Horticultural Crops
- 5.2.3 Turf & Ornamental
-
5.3 Country
- 5.3.1 Canada
- 5.3.2 Mexico
- 5.3.3 United States
- 5.3.4 Rest of North America
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Key Strategic Moves
- 6.2 Market Share Analysis
- 6.3 Company Landscape
-
6.4 Company Profiles
- 6.4.1 AgroLiquid
- 6.4.2 Grupa Azoty S.A. (Compo Expert)
- 6.4.3 Haifa Group
- 6.4.4 ICL Group Ltd
- 6.4.5 New Mountain Capital (Florikan)
- 6.4.6 Nutrien Ltd.
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR FERTILIZER CEOS
8. APPENDIX
-
8.1 Global Overview
- 8.1.1 Overview
- 8.1.2 Porter’s Five Forces Framework
- 8.1.3 Global Value Chain Analysis
- 8.1.4 Market Dynamics (DROs)
- 8.2 Sources & References
- 8.3 List of Tables & Figures
- 8.4 Primary Insights
- 8.5 Data Pack
- 8.6 Glossary of Terms
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- CULTIVATION OF FIELD CROPS IN HECTARE, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2022
- Figure 2:
- CULTIVATION OF HORTICULTURAL CROPS IN HECTARE, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2022
- Figure 3:
- CONSUMPTION OF PRIMARY NUTRIENTS BY FIELD CROPS IN KG/HECTARE, NORTH AMERICA, 2022
- Figure 4:
- CONSUMPTION OF PRIMARY NUTRIENTS BY HORTICULTURAL CROPS IN KG/HECTARE, NORTH AMERICA, 2022
- Figure 5:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN METRIC TON, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 6:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 7:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY COATING TYPE IN METRIC TON, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 8:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY COATING TYPE IN USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 9:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VOLUME BY COATING TYPE IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 10:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY COATING TYPE IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 11:
- POLYMER COATED CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN METRIC TON, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 12:
- POLYMER COATED CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 13:
- POLYMER COATED CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY CROP TYPE IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 14:
- POLYMER-SULFUR COATED CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN METRIC TON, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 15:
- POLYMER-SULFUR COATED CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 16:
- POLYMER-SULFUR COATED CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY CROP TYPE IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 17:
- OTHERS CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN METRIC TON, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 18:
- OTHERS CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 19:
- OTHERS CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY CROP TYPE IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 20:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY CROP TYPE IN METRIC TON, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 21:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY CROP TYPE IN USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 22:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VOLUME BY CROP TYPE IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 23:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY CROP TYPE IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 24:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY FIELD CROPS IN METRIC TON, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 25:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY FIELD CROPS IN USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 26:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY TYPE IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 27:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY HORTICULTURAL CROPS IN METRIC TON, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 28:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY HORTICULTURAL CROPS IN USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 29:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY TYPE IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 30:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY TURF & ORNAMENTAL IN METRIC TON, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 31:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY TURF & ORNAMENTAL IN USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 32:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY TYPE IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 33:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY IN METRIC TON, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 34:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY IN USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 35:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VOLUME BY COUNTRY IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 36:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY COUNTRY IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 37:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN METRIC TON, CANADA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 38:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN USD, CANADA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 39:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY CROP TYPE IN %, CANADA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 40:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN METRIC TON, MEXICO, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 41:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN USD, MEXICO, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 42:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY CROP TYPE IN %, MEXICO, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 43:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN METRIC TON, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 44:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 45:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY CROP TYPE IN %, UNITED STATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 46:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN METRIC TON, REST OF NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 47:
- SPECIALITY FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN USD, REST OF NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 48:
- CRF FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION VALUE BY CROP TYPE IN %, REST OF NORTH AMERICA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 49:
- MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 50:
- NORTH AMERICA CONTROLLED RELEASE FERTILIZER MARKET, MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, 2018 - 2021
- Figure 51:
- MARKET SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS IN %, NORTH AMERICA, 2022
North America 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. Canada, Mexico, United States are covered as segments by Country.
- Between 2017 and 2021, the North American controlled-release fertilizers market witnessed a 9.1% growth. Precision farming, a widely embraced approach in the region, prioritizes timely and precise nutrient delivery to crops. Controlled-release fertilizers, in this context, assume a pivotal role, ensuring crops receive optimal nutrient dosages, thus becoming integral to precision farming.
- In 2022, field crops dominated the North American controlled-release fertilizers market, capturing 81.1% of the market share. Horticultural crops accounted for 15.8%. Controlled-release fertilizers found extensive usage in high-value crops like cereals, grains, vegetables, orchards, and nurseries. While specialty chemical adoption in row crops is not yet widespread, it is gradually rising due to surging grain prices, heightened environmental concerns, and stricter nutrient application regulations.
- In 2022, the United States led the consumption of controlled-release fertilizers, accounting for 73.0%. This dominance can be attributed to the nation's regulations governing nutrient application rates and fertilizer pollution control.
- Recognizing the technological strides in the fertilizer industry, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have collaborated with key stakeholders like The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Their collective aim is to raise awareness about controlled-release fertilizers among farmers, with a positive ripple effect anticipated on the country's field crop production.
Coating Type | Polymer Coated |
Polymer-Sulfur Coated | |
Others | |
Crop Type | Field Crops |
Horticultural Crops | |
Turf & Ornamental | |
Country | Canada |
Mexico | |
United States | |
Rest of North America |
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