Latest news with #fertilizers
Forbes
4 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
The New World Food Prize Laureate Uses Microorganisms To Save Soils
A soybean field in Formosa do Rio Preto. (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP via Getty Images) When Mariangela Hungria, the winner of the 2025 World Food Prize, started college for microbiology, agriculture had just seen the Green Revolution, and scientists were focused on using artificial fertilizers to feed a growing population. But she didn't think that was the way only forward. Dr. Hungria knew that microorganisms could help achieve nitrogen fixation and better soil-health. She knew that biological fertilizers can help feed the world. In other words, she's been a champion of regenerative agriculture before that term was even widely used! The World Food Prize is a prestigious honor that recognizes her lifetime of work that's literally changed agronomics from the ground up. But as a young scientist in the 1970s and 1980s, she faced significant pushback from the mostly male scientific establishment that believed chemicals were the only option. 'It's not easy to start your career when everybody says that you are not going to have a future,' Dr. Hungria says on the podcast. To prove that microorganisms had a vital role not just on smallholder farms or organic operations but within large-scale, high-yield agriculture, 'I had to change the way I was doing research.' She began involving farmers as collaborators in the research process. As with her commitment to regenerative agriculture, she didn't set out to be a trailblazer: She was just doing things the way she thought was right. 'People talk about participative science, and I say, 'I was doing this a long time ago. I just didn't know!'' she says. 'Every research that I did, it was because a farmer came to me to talk about something. It was because a farmer came [to me] or I met a farmer in the field, and he told me what he wanted and what was happening, and that gave me ideas to do my work.' And just as she set out to prove from the beginning, she has demonstrated that the positive results that come from regenerative practices can be scaled up to fit any size farm. 'The same technology, the same bacteria, that helps the small farmers also helps the big farmers,' she says. 'We use the same in 1 hectare or in 100,000 hectares, so that's really wonderful to work with something that's usable for all.' Dr. Hungria identifies several barriers she continues to face in her work, and I think there are a few takeaways that the entire good food movement can learn from: 1. The regenerative agriculture movement cannot be overshadowed by competition and corporate interests. Even when faced with data on the success of biological fertilizers, some farmers are still skeptical due to aggressive marketing from chemical fertilizer manufacturers, Dr. Hungria says. And occasionally, companies that do adopt biological fertilizers seem more interested in widely planted crops that are more profitable, rather than culturally relevant crops in local communities. As Dr. Hungria explained, feeding the world can't be a competition—which is also why she makes all her research and solutions available publicly for free. 2. We have to think creatively about how to earn people's attention. Dr. Hungria believes strongly in the power of scientific communication. But she's frustrated, she says, by the experience of spending time preparing a concise online video explaining nuance and data—only for the video's view count to be dwarfed by influencers spreading misinformation or changing the subject away from agriculture entirely. 3. The future of science has to be collaborative, inclusive, and egalitarian. Dr. Hungria is candid about the challenges she faced and continues to face as a woman and a mother in a male-dominated scientific world. 'I had lots of problems because there were not many women,' she says. 'And worse, I was a woman working with biologicals that nobody believed in, and with two daughters. I was very improbable to succeed in my career.' But Dr. Hungria did succeed—and she's worked for her entire career to rebuild a scientific field that's less competitive and more participatory, collaborative, and focused on listening to others and appreciating diversity of ideas. This is the kind of approach we truly need to transform the food system! She says, 'I really think that the science of the future will be a female science.' I hope Dr. Hungria's work will inspire future generations of regenerative farmers, microbiologists, food advocates, and citizen eaters—and I also hope it'll inspire us right now, in this generation, to take the action we desperately need to nurture our soils, nourish our bodies, and keep our planet alive.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Analysis-US sanctions could cause chaos on Latam farms run on Russian fertilizers
By Ana Mano and Cassandra Garrison SAO PAULO/MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Latin American farmers are in for a rough ride if the U.S. slaps secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian exports, such as the fertilizers essential for cash crops from Mexican avocados to Brazilian soybeans and corn. For farm powerhouse Brazil, which covered about a third of its fertilizer demand with $3.7 billion of imports from Russia last year, there is virtually no alternative to fill the gap if those flows are halted, experts and industry players said. The 2022 outbreak of war in Ukraine triggered stockpiling of Russian fertilizer in the region. Prices soared briefly, but trade has now normalized. Plans to boost domestic fertilizer production in Mexico and Brazil have made slow progress in the face of relatively cheap Russian imports. Shipments to Brazil, the world's largest producer of soybeans, sugar and coffee, rose nearly 30% in the first half of this year, the Russian Fertilizer Producers Association said. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte singled out Brazil among a handful of countries that could be hit "very hard" by sanctions for doing business with Russia as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed push to end the war in Ukraine. Fresh sanctions targeting Russian fertilizer imports could "render soybean and corn production inviable," said Lucas Beber, vice president of Brazilian grain farming group Aprosoja. Mexico also imported more than $580 million of fertilizers last year from Russia, its largest supplier according to government data. Potential U.S. sanctions would pose a big problem for farmers there. "It would affect Mexico's purchases from Russia of different fertilizers, particularly urea, which is the most widely used in crops such as corn, sorghum, wheat, and even avocado," said Raul Urteaga. A former director of international affairs for Mexico's agriculture ministry, Urteaga warned of a drop-off in the quality of fertilizers available if Russian imports disappear. That could weaken avocado production and send prices higher for U.S. consumers. The U.S. accounts for more than 80% of Mexico's total avocado exports, a market worth more than $3 billion last year, according to U.S. government data. "The price of avocados would increase if producers have to use other alternatives or find fertilizers that are imported from sources other than Russia," Urteaga said. Russia is also top fertilizer supplier for Colombia, another key producer of fruits, flowers and coffee to the U.S. Russia provides about a quarter of Colombia's fertilizer imports, government data shows. The World Bank has identified fertilizer costs as a driver of food inflation in Central America, contributing to a cost-of-living crisis that has stoked northward migration. SALES DELAYED Even fertilizer companies that have already cut ties with Russian suppliers, like U.S.-based Mosaic , expressed fears that further trade disruptions with one of the world's top three fertilizer producers could feed volatility. "Potential discussions involving retaliation against countries that operate with Russia ... only end up further aggravating the situation in terms of pricing," said Eduardo Monteiro, Mosaic's country manager in Brazil, which contributes 40% of the company's global revenue. He said geopolitical tensions delayed sales to Brazilian farmers for the next crop cycle, which could compromise timely fertilizer deliveries for major crops such as soybeans, which farmers plant from September. Big privately held fertilizer makers Eurochem and Fertipar, which supply their Brazilian processing plants with imports from Russia according to trade data, declined or did not reply to questions about potential sanctions. Brazil has touted plans to nearly halve its reliance on foreign fertilizers. Mexico aims to boost domestic production from 33% to 80% of local demand. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum have both prodded state oil companies Petrobras and Pemex to ramp up fertilizer production. They have made slow progress, however. In Brazil's case, efforts were hampered by factors including lack of funding, potentially costly mineral resources and expensive natural gas, which is key to producing nitrogen fertilizers. The problem could be partly mitigated after Brazil Potash Corp starts to mine for potash in the Brazilian Amazon, which should happen once the infrastructure and permitting are in place. In Mexico, debt-laden Pemex has struggled over the years to make fertilizers a profitable business. Unfazed by local competition, U.S. sanctions or European bans, Russian fertilizer producers say they expect to raise their global market share to 25% by 2030, relying largely on sales to developing BRICS nations including Brazil, India and China. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Reuters
21-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
US sanctions could cause chaos on Latam farms run on Russian fertilizers
SAO PAULO/MEXICO CITY, July 21 (Reuters) - Latin American farmers are in for a rough ride if the U.S. slaps secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian exports, such as the fertilizers essential for cash crops from Mexican avocados to Brazilian soybeans and corn. For farm powerhouse Brazil, which covered about a third of its fertilizer demand with $3.7 billion of imports from Russia last year, there is virtually no alternative to fill the gap if those flows are halted, experts and industry players said. The 2022 outbreak of war in Ukraine triggered stockpiling of Russian fertilizer in the region. Prices soared briefly, but trade has now normalized. Plans to boost domestic fertilizer production in Mexico and Brazil have made slow progress in the face of relatively cheap Russian imports. Shipments to Brazil, the world's largest producer of soybeans, sugar and coffee, rose nearly 30% in the first half of this year, the Russian Fertilizer Producers Association said. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte singled out Brazil among a handful of countries that could be hit "very hard" by sanctions for doing business with Russia as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed push to end the war in Ukraine. Fresh sanctions targeting Russian fertilizer imports could "render soybean and corn production inviable," said Lucas Beber, vice president of Brazilian grain farming group Aprosoja. Mexico also imported more than $580 million of fertilizers last year from Russia, its largest supplier according to government data. Potential U.S. sanctions would pose a big problem for farmers there. "It would affect Mexico's purchases from Russia of different fertilizers, particularly urea, which is the most widely used in crops such as corn, sorghum, wheat, and even avocado," said Raul Urteaga. A former director of international affairs for Mexico's agriculture ministry, Urteaga warned of a drop-off in the quality of fertilizers available if Russian imports disappear. That could weaken avocado production and send prices higher for U.S. consumers. The U.S. accounts for more than 80% of Mexico's total avocado exports, a market worth more than $3 billion last year, according to U.S. government data. "The price of avocados would increase if producers have to use other alternatives or find fertilizers that are imported from sources other than Russia," Urteaga said. Russia is also top fertilizer supplier for Colombia, another key producer of fruits, flowers and coffee to the U.S. Russia provides about a quarter of Colombia's fertilizer imports, government data shows. The World Bank has identified fertilizer costs as a driver of food inflation in Central America, contributing to a cost-of-living crisis that has stoked northward migration. Even fertilizer companies that have already cut ties with Russian suppliers, like U.S.-based Mosaic (MOS.N), opens new tab, expressed fears that further trade disruptions with one of the world's top three fertilizer producers could feed volatility. "Potential discussions involving retaliation against countries that operate with Russia ... only end up further aggravating the situation in terms of pricing," said Eduardo Monteiro, Mosaic's country manager in Brazil, which contributes 40% of the company's global revenue. He said geopolitical tensions delayed sales to Brazilian farmers for the next crop cycle, which could compromise timely fertilizer deliveries for major crops such as soybeans, which farmers plant from September. Big privately held fertilizer makers Eurochem and Fertipar, which supply their Brazilian processing plants with imports from Russia according to trade data, declined or did not reply to questions about potential sanctions. Brazil has touted plans to nearly halve its reliance on foreign fertilizers. Mexico aims to boost domestic production from 33% to 80% of local demand. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum have both prodded state oil companies Petrobras and Pemex to ramp up fertilizer production. They have made slow progress, however. In Brazil's case, efforts were hampered by factors including lack of funding, potentially costly mineral resources and expensive natural gas, which is key to producing nitrogen fertilizers. The problem could be partly mitigated after Brazil Potash Corp (GRO.A), opens new tab starts to mine for potash in the Brazilian Amazon, which should happen once the infrastructure and permitting are in place. In Mexico, debt-laden Pemex has struggled over the years to make fertilizers a profitable business. Unfazed by local competition, U.S. sanctions or European bans, Russian fertilizer producers say they expect to raise their global market share to 25% by 2030, relying largely on sales to developing BRICS nations including Brazil, India and China.
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Science
- Forbes
Phosphorus Depletion Is An Investment Opportunity
Phosphorus is integral to agriculture and human life. We can't grow any of our food without it. Of the phosphorus fertilizers applied, perhaps 20% ends up consumed in the final product. Large amounts will be lost to runoff, ending up in our water systems, causing general pollution and feeding harmful algal blooms. As CO2 levels rise, soil phosphorus becomes less available for certain key crops like paddy rice. This means more will have to be applied. If we have endless amounts of phosphorus then this isn't an issue, phosphorus can be applied as liberally as we like. We Have About 100 Years Of Phosphorus Left On Earth That will be a pretty hard limit when it's reached. It will be difficult to replace the source of phosphorus when the phosphate mines run out, so recapturing as much as possible is our best strategy. The reserves confirmed in Norway in 2023 have nearly doubled our known global supply, but this is still a finite resource. What's more, the mining isn't simple and clean; even with expanded reserves we all want clean air and water, which phosphate mining doesn't support. Strip mining always destroys the surface landscape and ecosystems which is bad, for sure; with mining phosphates we further release heavy metals and radioactive materials that add more risks. Florida and the Netherlands are not rushing to exploit their reserves because of the environmental impact of mining phosphates. In Florida, a large phosphate reserve sits on the Florida Aquifer which really exemplifies the problem. A river polluted by mud and waste dumped from the Kef Eddou mine, Tunisia. Footprints of animals ... More indicate that they graze in the area. Phosphate Mining pollutes waterways, leaving local residents and animals unable to drink the contaminated water. Prior to the Norway phosphate deposit discovery, 70% of the world's phosphate reserves were in Morocco and the Western Sahara. Some of the world recognizes this territory as Moroccan now, but there is still a war there, and the Polisario Front broke the ceasefire in 2020 after Moroccan provocation. Will these lucrative phosphate reserves lead to more resource driven conflict? Will Algeria seize the opportunity to support separatist forces and profit from the instability, as we so famously have seen nations do with critical minerals in Congo? Will parts of Norway look like Nauru, a formerly lush tropical paradise stripped of its phosphate rock, and now a barren, impoverished cautionary tale? A phosphate mining site in Nauru, 1997. Bacteria And Fungi Once phosphorus is applied to a field, it will be available to plants for a short time before reacting with other elements in the soil. There's a goldilocks phenomena with pH for phosphorus; if the soil is too acidic or too basic, the phosphorus will bind with other elements and become largely unavailable to the plants. A pH range of 6-7 is ideal for absorption. This shows the difficulty of handling other factors that could impact phosphorus use indirectly. Complicated problems will often require multifaceted solutions. Some bacteria and fungi make phosphorus in the soil available to plants. Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) are able to break down insoluble forms of phosphorus and make it available to plants as a form that can be easily absorbed. These phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms can reduce fertilizer use by half while producing the same, or higher, crop yields. There is a lack of standardization, and the scalability of this method will need attention. Do lingering questions about this biotechnology disqualify it? No, it means that this is an emerging technology with huge growth potential. This is the time to invest and research. Gene Editing If we can't add endless phosphates to soil, and if bacteria and fungi can only do so much, then why don't we make plants that are better at absorbing phosphorus? It's being worked on. The japonica variety of rice has been successfully gene-edited by Indian researchers to absorb 20% more phosphate, an advancement that will be applied to the indica variety; these are the two most popular types of rice is Asia. Given its role as a staple food for much of the world, without adapting rice to climate change we will need to use ever larger amounts of our limited phosphorus, or face food insecurity. If this sort of advancement can me made with rice, can gene editing be done to other staple crops to increase their absorptivity? Raising rice and ducks together has been shown to improve phosphorus absorption. Wastewater Recycling There are a few ways to go about this, but the basic idea is to remove phosphorus from wastewater and reuse it. Each individual discharges 2 grams of phosphorus, daily. Recovery can be done with thermal, biological or chemical means which have their respective pros and cons, but ultimately these processes can recover maybe 40-90+% of the otherwise wasted phosphorus. Different phosphorus recovery methods have their respective efficiencies and advantages. Several ... More could be presently adopted at scale. Phosphorus mining should be regarded as our last option after recovery and mitigation. With every finite good, we'll have to worry about scarcity and the associated price increases, and this is all while we have any phosphorus left to fight over. Investing in the infrastructure to recover phosphorus and beneficial microorganism cultivation are the superior, greener investment opportunities that are still largely untapped. When problems like the finite supply of phosphorus have been identified and publicized 100 years ago, how can we reasonably pretend to be unaware? Why, beyond collective failure of global political leadership, do we not have answers to questions that were asked back before the Great Depression? Having been aware of this phosphorus problem for a century, and with perhaps two centuries left before we're completely out, how much longer should we wait before mass adaptation of the solutions, even if they require substantial investment now? Why doesn't every wastewater facility apply some method of recapture?
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fertilizers Market to Reach 262.18 Million Tons by 2034 Amid Increasing Demand
According to Towards chem and Materials consultants, the global fertilizers market volume reached 199.19 million tons in 2025 and is forecast to witness steady growth, touching nearly 262.18 million tons by 2034 at a CAGR of 3.10% from 2025 to 2034. Asia Pacific dominated the Asia Pacific fertilizers market with Volume Share of 52.08% in 2024. Ottawa, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Towards chem and Materials consultants, the global fertilizers market volume reached 193.20 million tons in 2024 and is projected to hit around 262.18 million tons by 2034.a study published by Towards chem and Materials a sister firm of Precedence Research. Get All the Details in Our Solutions –Download Sample: The market is driven by concerns regarding food security, decreasing cultivable land, and increased demand for food crops. Technological advances and favourable national and international agricultural policies also fuel its strategic growth. Fertilizers are essential agricultural inputs that can improve soil fertility and crop productivity through the application of key macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In today's world, fertilizers have become a critical input, specifically due to rising food demand globally and significantly less arable land per capita. In the fields of agriculture, particularly in Asian and African regions, a growing trend towards intense farming is leading to increased fertilizer usage. Currently, the fertilizers market is undergoing transformation through innovation in eco-friendly and precision fertilizers to improve productivity sustainably. Increased regulation and damage done to the environment from nutrient runoff have further increased producer spending on slow-release and bio-fertilizers. At the same time, digital agriculture and smart farming applications are now promoting the efficient usage of fertilizers while placing more emphasis on productivity while also minimizing environmental risks. Key Takeaways The Asia Pacific fertilizers market Volume was valued at 100.6 million tons in 2024 and is expected to be worth around 135.56 million tons by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.02% over the forecast period 2025 to 2034. The Asia Pacific fertilizers dominated the global market and accounted for the largest Volume Share of 52.08% in 2024. The North America fertilizers market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.76% over the forecast period. By type, the chemical fertilizers segment led the market and accounted for the largest Volume Share of 90.82% in 2024 By type, the biofertilizers segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.47% over the forecast period. By form, the solid fertilizers segment led the market with the largest Volume Share of 84.3% in 2024. By form, the liquid fertilizers segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.93 over the forecast period By crop type, the Cereals & Grains segment led the market with the largest Volume Share of 42.76% in 2024. By crop type, the fruits & vegetables segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.05% over the forecast period By end-user, the individual farmers segment led the market and accounted for the largest Volume Share of 49.2% in 2024 By end-user, the commercial grower's segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.72% over the forecast period. By distribution channel, the distributors & wholesalers segment led the market with the largest Volume Share of 41.1% in 2024. By distribution channel, the Online/E-commerce platforms segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.49% over the forecast period. Explore Strategic Figures & Forecasts – Access the Databook | Immediate Delivery Available: Fertilizers Market Report Scope Report Attribute Details Market Volume in 2025 199.19 Million Tons Expected Volume by 2034 262.18 Million Tons Growth rate CAGR of 3.10% from 2025 to 2034 Base year for estimation 2024 Historical data 2020 - 2024 Forecast period 2025 - 2034 Quantitative Units Volume in kilotons, revenue in USD million, and CAGR from 2025 to 2034 Report coverage Revenue forecast, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends Segments covered By Form, By Type, By Crop Type, By Application, By End User, By Distribution, By Region Key companies profiled Nutrien Ltd, Yara, ICL,The Mosaic Company, CF Industries and Holdings, Inc., Nufarm, SQM SA, OCP Group, K+S Aktiengesellschaft, Eurochem Group, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA Invest in Premium Global Insights Immediate Delivery Available @ What are the Major Trends in the Fertilizers Market? Increase in the Demand for Bio-based and Organic Fertilizers Increasing environmental concerns and chemical-use regulations are pushing farmers in the direction of organic and bio-based fertilizers. These products improve soil fertility, have a lesser impact on the environment, and align with the growing consumer desire for sustainability in food production and farming systems, particularly in developed markets and among organic food producers. Advancements in Precision Agriculture Innovation in the use of precision agriculture tools (GPS mapping, drones, and smart sensors) are improving the way fertilizer is applied. These technologies allow farmers to apply nutrients in the right proportion, on the right crop, and at the right time, resulting in improved efficiency, lower costs, and reduced environmental impacts by using more targeted means of fertilization. Growth of Specialty Fertilizers Specialty fertilizers like controlled-release, water-soluble, and micronutrient-rich fertilizers are also growing in popularity. These fertilizers are conducive to specific crop needs and region-specific nutritional needs - resulting in improved yield and quality. Farmers are increasingly using specialty fertilizers for high-value crops or in areas with marginal soils or limited water. Growth Factors in the Fertilizers Market Rising Global Food Demand: Population growth and dietary changes are increasing demands for more agricultural production. Fertilizers allow farmers to enable productivity, and to ensure food security, so are being more frequently relied upon in the marketplace. Reducing Arable Land- With the growth of cities, and other factors like contamination and degradation reducing the amount of farmland outside of urban areas, farmers are increasingly dependent on fertilizers to maximize production per hectare and maintain consistent quality of crop within a yield. Government Assistance & Subsidy- Across the globe, many countries provide subsidies, tax breaks and other incentives to use fertilizers. In many developing regions fertilizer is more affordable and leads to greater uptake. Improved Fertilizer Technology- Categories of fertilizer like slow-release, water-soluble fertilizer and bio-based fertilizer are promoting better nutrient availability with less environmental impact and gaining traction in the marketplace including by environmentally conscious farmers and agribusinesses. How Artificial Intelligence Redefines the Future of Fertilizers? Fertilizer management is increasingly relying on artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate data-informed and site-specific fertilizer application. The most recent applications of AI have reduced nitrogen waste by up to 25% with similar yields. Using advanced algorithms, models accounted for soil health, crop type and planned harvest, and meteorological conditions, and then predicted the most effective volumetric dosages. The AI process then generates accurate recommendations, reducing nutrient runoff in the environment and concurrently improving consistency in yield in the farm. Maharashtra's ₹500 crore "MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025-29" showcases the growing institutional support for this AI machinery and mission. This policy includes support for sensors, drones, and advisory systems in the intended fertilizer use. Meanwhile, global agritech companies are utilizing AI incorporated with satellite imagery and IoT data to automate real-time fertilizer recommendations. This is not only economic efficiency, but reduces environmental risk, improves returns on inputs, and is much closer to carbon reduction targets. Could Global Shift Towards Green Fertilizers Presents Big Market Opportunity? The shift to green fertilizer is a strong growth opportunity, which is being accelerated by both rising climate concerns and government-led initiatives. Traditional nitrogen-based fertilizers account for almost 5% of global GHG emissions, and green alternatives, such as fertilizers produced through renewable powered ammonia can achieve a total reduction of GHG by as much as 90%. As an example, Yara just recently partnered with PepsiCo to supply low-carbon fertilizers to 1,000 farms in Europe by 2025. Also, Fertiglobe's recent deal to sell green ammonia for €1,000/ton under the EU's H2Global scheme, this is further proof that there is demand in the marketplace for green fertilizers. There are also large-scale developments of green ammonia plants getting off the ground in both Paraguay and Brazil, showing that the momentum is truly global. Green fertilizers are now a pillar of agriculture's future, especially as the shift from harmful conventional fertilizers is increasingly supported through climate policies and sustainability objectives. Limitations and Challenges in the Fertilizers Market Environmental and Regulatory Challenges- Restrictive environmental regulations related to fertilizer use are limiting fertilizer input in farming as a reaction to soil degradation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. A growing global effort to push for a sustainable agricultural sector restricts further expansion of chemical fertilizers. Uncertainty in Raw Material Prices- The traditional fertilizer production process uses a large input of natural gas, phosphate, and potash. Depending on changes in prices or geopolitical concerns impacting supply networks, it can increase the production cost, and in turn, reduce profitability for manufacturers and affordability to farmers. Soil Health Issues and Dependency- Fertilizers harm soil structure and impact microbial diversity, resulting in decreasing fertility over time as a result of excessive mineral fertilizer use. The overdependence on fertilizers will necessitate an adaptation to organic alternatives leading to a decreased demand in organic fertilizer in some provinces. Fertilizers Market Segmentation Type Insights Chemical fertilizers Segment Dominated the fertilizers Market in 2024? Chemical fertilizers segment dominated the fertilizers market in 2024. The most widely used type reinforces this market still because of the role chemical fertilizers bring to crop production and productivity. Chemical fertilizers provide complete and defined nutrient formulation, which allows growers precision use of plant nutrition. These fertilizers will always support high yield agriculture. Biofertilizers segment expects the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period, because of environmental and societal issues, however biofertilizers are starting to be adopted and usage is increasing rapidly because of environmental issues and the increasing concern with the efficiency of chemical fertilizers. Fertilizers Market Volume and Share, By Type, 2024- 2034 (%) By Type Market Volume Shares (%)2024 Market Volume (Million Tons)2024 Market Volume Shares (%)2034 Market Volume (Million Tons)(2034) Market CAGR (2025-2034) Chemical Fertilizers 90.82 % 175.5 89.52 % 234.7 2.95 % Biofertilizers 9.18 % 17.7 10.48 % 27.5 4.47 % Form Insights What made Solid Fertilizers the Dominant Segment in the Fertilizers Market in 2024? The solid fertilizers segment dominated the fertilizers market in 2024. Granular fertilizers are widely accepted and of constant appearance for fertilizers due to ease of use and extended shelf life. Granular fertilizers are favoured by lots of visible farmers when we consider broad-acre farming, predominantly for consistent nutrient composition leading to improved spreadability in developed irrigation regions, allowing for improved nutrient balanced soil and eventual yields. The liquid fertilizers segment expects the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, due to their rapid absorption rates and ability to be applied to precision farming technologies. Liquid fertilizers are generally soluble in water, so they can be used as fertigation to further increase the delivery efficiency of nutrients. Liquid solutions are overtaking granule or solid products due to horticulture considerations; there is also greater acceptance of controlled irrigation systems in some regions. The greater acceptance of controlled irrigation systems is increasing due to modern technologies like drip watering; this is clearly enhancing the fertilizer solution market in water-constraint regions. Fertilizers Market Volume and Share, By Form, 2024- 2034 (%) By Form Market Volume Shares (%)2024 Market Volume (Million Tons) 2024 Market Volume Shares (%)2034 Market Volume (Million Tons)(2034) Market CAGR (2025-2034) Solid Fertilizers 84.3 % 162.9 83.2 % 218.1 2.96 % Liquid Fertilizers 14.2 % 27.5 15.4 % 40.5 3.93 % Gaseous Fertilizers 1.5 % 2.8 1.4 % 3.6 2.37 % Crop-Type Insights Why did the Cereals & Grains Segment Dominate the Fertilizers Market in 2024? Cereals & Grains segment dominated the market in 2024. Cereals & Grains are staple crops such as rice, wheat, and maize which are grown around the world on a large scale, and require a large amount of fertilizer to maintain yield. The need for these staples crops in global food security drives ongoing usage of chemical fertilizer for these crops especially in the Asia-Pacific and North American regions. Increased government support and strong infrastructure further promote adoption. Fruits & Vegetables segment expects the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. Increased health consciousness and the demand for high-value products has led to this rapid growth. These crops require a precise application of nutrients, and require high-value advanced fertilizers such as foliar sprays and fertigation applications. Fertilizers Market Volume and Share, Crop Types, 2024 (%) By Crop Type Market Volume Shares (%)2024 Market Volume (Million Tons)2024 Market Volume Shares (%)2034 Market Volume (Million Tons)(2034) Market CAGR (2025-2034) Cereals & Grains 42.76 % 82.6 42.30 % 110.9 2.99 % Oilseeds & Pulses 21.25 % 41.1 21.05 % 55.2 3.00 % Fruits & Vegetables 19.42 % 37.5 19.32 % 50.7 3.05 % Other Crop Types 16.57 % 32.0 17.33 % 45.4 3.56 % By Mode of Application Insights Which Application Segment Dominates the Fertilizers Market? Soil segments dominate the market in 2024. Soil provides fertilizers directly through an irrigation system, which comes as a benefit for the crops because they can absorb nutrients immediately, yielding less waste in the fertilizing process. Fertigation is largely used and implemented in commercial or greenhouse farming where precision and optimization of resources are crucial for crop development. It allows the plants to grow to their maximum potential, and is important for high-yield crops in constrained (water) environments. Fertilizers Market Volume and Share, By Mode of Application, 2024 (%) By Mode of Application Market Volume Shares (%)2024 Market Volume (Million Tons)2024 Market Volume Shares (%)2034 Market Volume (Million Tons)2034 Market CAGR (2025-2034) Foilar Treatment 11.08 % 21.4 10.62 % 27.8 2.66 % Soil Treatment 60.28 % 116.5 60.08 % 157.5 3.07 % Seed Treatment 24.31 % 47.0 24.21 % 63.5 3.06 % Others Mode of Transport 4.33 % 8.4 5.09 % 13.3 4.77 % Foliar segment expects the significant growth in the market during the forecast period. In foliar application, the fertilizer is sprayed directly onto the leaves of the plant so the plant can absorb the nutrients quickly. The foliar application has become increasingly popular in horticulture and high-value crop production as a tool to mitigate crop development with an immediate nutrient deficiency or improve and sustain plant development through sensitive crop/plant development situations. End User Insights Why Individual Farmer Segment Dominates the Fertilizers Market in 2024? Individual Farmers segment holds the largest volume market share in 2024. Individual farmers represent the largest share of fertilizer end-users due to their being the largest part of the four billion farmers in global agriculture. Fertilizer helps farmers to achieve higher crop yields and maintain productivity on their farms. Government subsidies and availability through a local distributor help promote the individual farmer segment, especially in developing countries, where most farms are small-scale. Commercial Growers segment expects the significant growth in the market during the forecast period. Commercial growers are greatly increasing their fertilizer usage as they implement modern farming practices. The focus on high-value crops, export markets, and use of precision agriculture equipment creates demands for specialized and efficient fertilizers. Fertilizers Market Volume and Share, By End User, 2024 - 2034(%) By End User Market Volume Shares (%)2024 Market Volume (Million Tons)(2024) Market Volume Shares (%)2034 Market Volume (Million Tons)(2034) Market CAGR (2025-2034) Individual Farmers 49.2 % 95.1 48.3 % 126.5 2.89 % Agricultural Cooperatives 21.8 % 42.1 21.7 % 56.9 3.04 % Commercial Growers 14.1 % 27.3 15.0 % 39.3 3.72 % Government & Public Sector 10.8 % 20.8 11.2 % 29.3 3.48 % Research & Educational Institutions 4.1 % 7.9 3.9 % 10.3 2.69 % Distribution Channel Insights Why Distributors & Wholesalers Segment Dominates the Fertilizers Market in 2024? The distributors & wholesalers segment led the market with the largest market share in 2024, with their expansive supply chains, bulk-buying capabilities, and relationships with manufacturers and farmers. Their ability to guarantee product availability regionally and provide custom service renders them indispensable in conventional agriculture supply chains. The Online/E-commerce platforms segment is expected to grow at a CAGR over the forecast period, due to increasing access to the internet and smartphones in rural areas, as well as enhanced digital literacy. Farmers prefer convenience, product comparison, home delivery, and expert advice via an online portal. Government intervention and support for digital agriculture continues to drive growth in this area. Fertilizers Market Volume and Share, By Distribution Channel , 2024 (%) By Distribution Channel Volume (Million Tons)(2024) Market Shares (%)2024 Market Volume (Million Tons)(2034) Market Volume Shares (%) 2034 Market CAGR (2025-2034) Direct Sales 32.9 17.1 % 42.1 16.1 % 2.48 % Distributors & Wholesalers 79.4 41.1 % 107.4 41.0 % 3.07 % Retail Stores 45.7 23.7 % 64.3 24.5 % 3.47 % Online/E-commerce Platforms 20.2 10.4 % 28.4 10.8 % 3.49 % Cooperatives 15.0 7.8 % 20.0 7.6 % 2.89 % How Did Asia Pacific Dominate the Fertilizers Market in 2024? The Asia Pacific fertilizers market volume amounted to nearly 103.6 million tons worldwide in 2025 and is expected to rise to around 135.56 million tons by 2034, growing at a healthy CAGR of 3.02% between 2025 - 2034. Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2024 due to its enormous agriculture base, a growing population and prominence of government support and subsidies for food security. The numerous countries in the Asia Pacific region, particularly those in South and South East Asia, are focused on improving productivity and yields of agricultural products, such as rice, wheat, and pulses. The increasing demand on food production, rising awareness of more advanced agricultural practices, and continued challenges faced by farmers/fertilizer users in a rising consumption environment have driven continuing consumption for fertilizer use in the region. Market Trends in India India is the dominant country in the Asia Pacific fertilizers market primarily because of the large agriculture base for fertilizer use as well as the governments subsidies. Government initiatives such as the "Soil Health Card" and PM-KISAN scheme promote balanced fertilizer use practices to enhance grower's productivity. Continued demand for food grains in India and increasing government and private investments into agribusiness and rural infrastructure's will all be advised on continue and have made for consistent fertilizer consumption in India going forward. Fertilizers Market Volume and Share, By Region, 2024- 2034 (%) By Region Market Volume Shares (%)2024 Market Volume (Million Tons)2024 Market Volume Shares (%)2034 Market Volume (Million Tons)(2034) Market CAGR (2025-2034) North America 20.62 % 39.8 21.4 % 56.2 2.76 % Europe 13.35 % 25.8 14.8 % 38.7 3.68 % Asia Pacific 52.08 % 100.6 51.0 % 133.8 3.02 % Latin America 8.40 % 16.2 7.7 % 20.1 2.98 % Middle East & Africa 5.55 % 10.7 5.1 % 13.3 3.80 % Why North America showing up as the Fastest Growing Region in Fertilizers Market ? North America expects the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The growth of the market is attributed due to the increased adoption of precision farming, organic, and specialty fertilizers in the region. Also, there is a growing awareness of soil health in North America and farmers are shifting toward sustainable products, such as slow-release fertilizers and bio-based fertilizers, to increase productivity while minimizing the impact on the environment and their natural resources. Furthermore, the tech-enabled agricultural systems and increased funding towards smart farming in North America is providing growth. Market Trends in the U.S. The United States is leading this growth with their established farming infrastructure, the presence of many fertilizer manufacturers in the country, and the widespread utilization of innovative fertilizers in their farming practices. Furthermore, the USA government has allowed for support of climate-smart agriculture that provides further fertilizer adoption. Competitive Landscape in the Fertilizers Market Nutrien Ltd- World's largest fertilizer producer; supplies nitrogen, phosphate, and potash fertilizers. Yara- Global leader in sustainable crop nutrition; focuses on nitrogen-based fertilizers and precision farming. ICL- Produces potash and phosphate fertilizers; emphasizes specialty fertilizers and innovation. The Mosaic Company- Major producer of phosphate and potash fertilizers; vertically integrated operations. CF Industries and Holdings, Inc.- Specializes in nitrogen-based fertilizers; has a vast production and distribution network. Nufarm- Provides liquid fertilizers and crop protection products, strong in specialty and value-added solutions. SQM SA- Produces specialty fertilizers including potassium nitrate, leader in iodine and lithium sectors too. OCP Group- World's largest exporter of phosphate rock and derivatives; based in Morocco. K+S Aktiengesellschaft- Supplies potash and salt-based fertilizers; strong presence in Europe and the Americas. EuroChem Group- Vertically integrated producer of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash fertilizers; global operations. For more information, visit the Towards Chem and Materials website or email the team at sales@ +1 804 441 9344 More Insights in Towards Chem and Materials: Cyclohexanone Market: The global cyclohexanone market volume is calculated at 4.97 million tons in 2024, grew to 5.1 million tons in 2025 and is predicted to hit around 6.48 million tons by 2034, expanding at healthy CAGR of 2.70% between 2025 and 2034. U.S. Nitrogenous Fertilizers Market : The U.S. nitrogenous fertilizers market volume is calculated at 12,151.6 kilo tons in 2024, grew to 12,459.04 kilo tons in 2025 and is predicted to hit around 15,600.66 kilo tons by 2034, expanding at healthy CAGR of 2.53% between 2025 and 2034. Specialty Fertilizers Market : The global specialty fertilizers market volume is calculated at 30.23 million tons in 2024, grew to 31.75 million tons in 2025, and is projected to reach around 49.33 million tons by market is expanding at a CAGR of 5.02% between 2025 and 2034. Phosphate Fertilizers Market : The global phosphate fertilizers market size was USD 70.11 billion in 2024 and is expected to be worth around USD 124.97 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.95% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034. Biopharma Plastic Market : The global biopharma plastic market size is expected to be worth around USD 13.35 billion by 2034 from USD 6.19 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.99% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034. Synthetic Graphite Market : The global synthetic graphite market size is expected to be worth around USD 16.05 Billion By 2034, from USD 8.91 Billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.75% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Fertilizers Market Top Key Companies: Nutrien Ltd Yara ICL The Mosaic Company CF Industries and Holdings, Inc. Nufarm SQM SA OCP Group K+S Aktiengesellschaft Eurochem Group Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA What is Going Around the Globe? In December 2024 Major Indian fertilizer company IFFCO announced a new nano NPK fertilizer is in development and is currently in need of government approval. The product is to be produced at IFFCO's Kandla location and will be available shortly via retail. In January 2025, Super Crop Safe Ltd., a leading agrochemical and biotechnology company, introduced a new biofertilizer called Super Gold WP+. It is a new postmix with inoculated mycorrhiza and important nutrients to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and promote sustainable agriculture. In May 2025, Mosaic Values introduced Neptunion, a new water‐soluble biostimulant in China that increases crop resilience against drought, salinity, and heat by improving stress resistance in fertilizers . Fertilizers Market Report Segmentation This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2019 to 2034. For this study, Towards Chem and Materials has segmented the global fertilizers Market By Form Solid Fertilizers Granules Powder Liquid Fertilizers Solution Suspension Gaseous Fertilizers Ammonia (used in large-scale farming) By Type Chemical Fertilizers Biofertilizers By Crop-Type Cereals & Grains Frutis & Vegetables Oilseeds & Pulses Others By Application Fertigation Foliar Soil By End User Individual Farmers Agricultural Cooperatives Commercial Growers Government & Public Sector Research & Educational Institutions By Distribution Channel Direct Sales Distributors & Wholesalers Retail Stores Online/E-commerce Platforms Cooperatives By Regional North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East Africa Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report@ About Us Towards Chem and Materials is a leading global consulting firm specializing in providing comprehensive and strategic research solutions across the chemical and materials industries. With a highly skilled and experienced consultant team, we offer a wide range of services designed to empower businesses with valuable insights and actionable recommendations. USA: +1 804 441 9344 APAC: +61 485 981 310 or +91 87933 22019 Europe: +44 7383 092 044 Email: sales@ Web: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
