Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Type;
Nitrogenous, Phosphatic, Potassic, and Micronutrient.By Crop Type;
Field Crops, Horticulture Crops, Turf & Ornaments, and Others.By Form;
Dry and Liquid.By Mode of Application;
Fertigation and Foliar.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market was valued at USD 19,172.95 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 28,450.41 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8%.
The global water-soluble fertilizers market is witnessing significant growth, driven by several key factors. Water-soluble fertilizers offer unique advantages, as they can be easily dissolved in water and applied or leached out of the soil as needed. This feature allows growers to precisely control the amount of nutrients available to plants, optimizing plant growth and yield. These fertilizers typically contain essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), commonly referred to as NPK fertilizers. Nitrogen is crucial for protein synthesis and chlorophyll production, essential processes for leaf growth and overall plant development. Phosphorus plays a vital role in photosynthesis and energy transfer within plants, while potassium facilitates the movement of sugars and starches and promotes cell division, contributing to plant growth.
One of the driving forces behind the increasing adoption of water-soluble fertilizers is the growing awareness among growers regarding precision agriculture practices. Precision agriculture emphasizes the precise and timely application of inputs, including fertilizers, to optimize crop productivity and resource efficiency. Water-soluble fertilizers enable growers to implement precision agriculture techniques effectively, resulting in improved crop yields and resource utilization. Furthermore, the demand for water-soluble fertilizers is also being fueled by greenhouse production. Greenhouse farming is gaining popularity due to its ability to provide controlled growing environments and protect crops from adverse weather conditions and pests. Water-soluble fertilizers are well-suited for greenhouse production systems, as they can be easily applied through irrigation systems, ensuring uniform nutrient distribution and optimal plant growth.
Rising environmental concerns are another factor driving the demand for water-soluble fertilizers. These fertilizers offer higher nutrient use efficiency compared to traditional fertilizers, reducing the risk of nutrient runoff and environmental pollution. Additionally, the limited availability of arable land is driving growers to maximize crop productivity on existing farmland, leading to increased adoption of water-soluble fertilizers.
Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market Recent Developments
-
In July 2022, Nutrien announced that the company entered into an agreement to acquire Casa do Adubo, a Brazilian company, for approximately USD 400 million. This acquisition includes 39 retail locations, under the brand Casa do Adubo, and 10 distribution centers, under the brand Agrodistribuidor Casal. This acquisition will strengthen the company’s footprint in the South American market and help to gain share in the water-soluble fertilizers market.
-
In June 2022, Israel Chemical Ltd. announced a long-term agreement with India Potash Limited (India) to supply polysulfate with a renewable option. The availability of polysulfate is expected to boost the Government of India’s organic agriculture program. It will also help ICL penetrate and serve the Indian farmers as per their requirements and strengthen its position in the Indian and Asian markets.
Segment Analysis
The segmentation analysis of the Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market reveals its diverse landscape, catering to the specific needs of various crops and agricultural practices. By type, the market is segmented into Nitrogenous, Phosphatic, Potassic, and Micronutrient fertilizers. Nitrogenous fertilizers play a crucial role in enhancing leaf growth and protein synthesis, essential for overall plant development. Phosphatic fertilizers contribute to photosynthesis and energy transfer within plants, while Potassic fertilizers facilitate sugar and starch movement and promote cell division. Micronutrient fertilizers provide essential trace elements necessary for comprehensive crop nutrition, ensuring optimal growth and yield. Furthermore, the market is segmented by the mode of application, including Fertigation and Foliar application methods. Fertigation involves the application of water-soluble fertilizers through irrigation systems, facilitating precise nutrient delivery directly to the plant roots. Foliar application, on the other hand, involves spraying fertilizers directly onto the leaves, allowing for rapid nutrient absorption by the plants. Additionally, the market segmentation by crop type encompasses Field Crops, Horticulture Crops, Turf & Ornaments, and Others. Each crop type has unique nutritional requirements, and water-soluble fertilizers are tailored to meet these specific needs, ensuring optimal growth, yield, and quality. Lastly, the market is segmented by form, including Dry and Liquid formulations. Dry fertilizers are typically granular or powdered and are easily soluble in water, making them suitable for various application methods. Liquid fertilizers, on the other hand, offer convenience and ease of application, particularly in fertigation systems. Overall, the segmentation analysis highlights the diverse range of water-soluble fertilizers available in the market, catering to different crops, application methods, and nutritional requirements, driving growth and innovation in the agricultural sector.
Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market has been segmented by Type, Mode of Application, Crop Type, Form, and Geography.
Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market, Segmentation by Type
The Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market has been segmented by Type into Nitrogenous, Phosphatic, Potassic, and Micronutrient.
Nitrogenous fertilizers constitute a significant segment of the market, contributing to the growth and development of plants by enhancing leaf growth and promoting protein synthesis. Nitrogen is an essential component of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis, and plays a crucial role in the production of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. As such, nitrogenous fertilizers are vital for promoting vegetative growth and improving overall plant health. Phosphatic fertilizers represent another key segment of the water-soluble fertilizers market, providing plants with essential phosphorus. Phosphorus is critical for energy transfer within plants, playing a key role in processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and cell division. Phosphatic fertilizers promote root development, flowering, and fruiting, contributing to improved crop yield and quality.
Potassic fertilizers form an integral part of the water-soluble fertilizers market, supplying plants with potassium, also known as potash. Potassium is essential for various physiological processes within plants, including enzyme activation, osmoregulation, and the regulation of water uptake and transpiration. Potassic fertilizers play a crucial role in improving stress tolerance, disease resistance, and overall plant vigor, leading to enhanced crop productivity and resilience. Micronutrient fertilizers represent a specialized segment of the market, providing plants with essential trace elements required for optimal growth and development. While micronutrients are required in smaller quantities compared to macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, they play a crucial role in various biochemical processes within plants. Micronutrient fertilizers address specific nutrient deficiencies and ensure comprehensive crop nutrition, promoting healthy growth, and minimizing the risk of nutrient-related disorders.
Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market, Segmentation by Mode of Application
The Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market has been segmented by Mode of Application into Fertigation and Foliar.
Fertigation, the application of water-soluble fertilizers through irrigation systems, represents a significant segment of the market. This method integrates fertilization with irrigation, allowing for precise nutrient delivery directly to the plant roots. Fertigation systems typically utilize drip, sprinkler, or micro-irrigation systems to distribute water-soluble fertilizers, ensuring uniform nutrient distribution across the field or crop. One of the key advantages of fertigation is its efficiency in nutrient uptake by plants, as fertilizers are delivered directly to the root zone where they are needed most. This method also reduces fertilizer wastage and leaching, minimizing environmental impact and optimizing resource utilization. Fertigation is widely adopted in commercial agriculture, particularly in high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals, where precise nutrient management is critical for maximizing yield and quality. On the other hand, Foliar application involves the spraying of water-soluble fertilizers directly onto the foliage of plants. This method allows for rapid nutrient absorption through the leaves, bypassing the soil and root uptake process. Foliar fertilization is particularly effective for supplying micronutrients and correcting nutrient deficiencies in crops, as nutrients are readily absorbed and translocated within the plant. Additionally, foliar application provides a quick response to nutrient deficiencies, making it a valuable tool for managing crop stress and optimizing yield potential. This method is commonly used in field crops, orchards, and specialty crops where soil conditions may limit nutrient availability or where rapid nutrient uptake is required during critical growth stages.
The choice between fertigation and foliar application depends on various factors, including crop type, growth stage, soil conditions, and irrigation infrastructure. In some cases, a combination of both methods may be employed to achieve optimal nutrient management and maximize crop performance. Growers may also consider factors such as cost-effectiveness, labor requirements, and environmental considerations when selecting the most suitable application method for their specific needs.
Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market, Segmentation by Crop Type
The Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market has been segmented by Crop Type into Field Crop, Horticulture Crops, Turf & ornaments, and Others.
Field Crops represent a significant segment within the water-soluble fertilizers market, comprising staple crops cultivated on a large scale for food, feed, fiber, and fuel. This category includes cereal grains such as wheat, rice, corn, and barley, as well as oilseeds like soybeans, sunflower, and canola. Field crops play a crucial role in global food security and are cultivated across vast agricultural landscapes worldwide. Water-soluble fertilizers tailored for field crops are formulated to provide essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, optimizing plant growth, yield, and quality.
Horticulture Crops encompass a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants cultivated for commercial and ornamental purposes. This segment includes crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, grapes, apples, oranges, roses, and carnations, among others. Horticulture crops require precise nutrient management to support healthy growth, flowering, and fruiting, as well as to enhance shelf life and marketability. Water-soluble fertilizers designed for horticultural applications are tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of different crops, ensuring optimal nutrient uptake and utilization.
Turf & Ornaments constitute a specialized segment within the water-soluble fertilizers market, focusing on the maintenance and enhancement of lawns, landscapes, gardens, and ornamental plants. This category includes turfgrass species such as Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda grass, and fescues, as well as ornamental plants like roses, azaleas, lilies, and shrubs. Water-soluble fertilizers for turf and ornamental crops are formulated to promote lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and overall aesthetic appeal. These fertilizers deliver essential nutrients in balanced ratios, supporting healthy root development, foliage growth, and flowering, while also minimizing environmental impact.
Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market, Segmentation by Form
The Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market has been segmented by Form into Dry and Liquid.
Dry water-soluble fertilizers typically come in granular or powdered forms, offering convenience and flexibility in handling and storage. These formulations are easily soluble in water, allowing for quick and efficient nutrient uptake by plants. Dry water-soluble fertilizers are well-suited for traditional application methods such as broadcasting or side-dressing, as well as for use in fertigation systems. They are often preferred for field crops and large-scale agricultural operations due to their ease of handling and cost-effectiveness. In contrast, liquid water-soluble fertilizers are formulated as concentrated solutions that can be easily diluted with water for application. Liquid formulations offer several advantages, including uniform nutrient distribution, precise application control, and rapid nutrient absorption by plants.
They are particularly suitable for foliar application, where fertilizers are sprayed directly onto the leaves, ensuring efficient nutrient uptake and utilization. Liquid water-soluble fertilizers are also ideal for fertigation systems, where they can be applied through irrigation systems, delivering nutrients directly to the plant roots. Additionally, liquid formulations are favored for horticultural crops, greenhouse production, and hydroponic systems, where precise nutrient management is critical for optimizing plant growth and yield. The segmentation into Dry and Liquid forms reflects the diverse needs and preferences of growers worldwide, providing them with a range of options to choose from based on their specific crop types, application methods, and operational requirements. As the demand for water-soluble fertilizers continues to grow, fueled by the increasing adoption of precision agriculture practices and the need for sustainable crop production solutions, both Dry and Liquid formulations are expected to play a significant role in meeting the evolving needs of the agricultural industry.
Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
North America is a prominent market for water-soluble fertilizers, driven by the presence of advanced agricultural practices and a strong focus on sustainable farming solutions. The region is characterized by a high adoption rate of precision agriculture techniques and modern irrigation systems, driving the demand for water-soluble fertilizers. Additionally, increasing concerns about soil health and environmental sustainability further contribute to market growth in this region. European countries are increasingly adopting water-soluble fertilizers to optimize nutrient use efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Moreover, the growing popularity of greenhouse farming and hydroponic systems in Europe further fuels market growth, as these cultivation methods require precise nutrient management.
Countries such as China, India, and Vietnam are major contributors to market growth, owing to their large agricultural landscapes and increasing adoption of modern farming techniques. Furthermore, government initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture practices and improve crop productivity further propel market expansion in the region. The Middle East and Africa region exhibit significant potential for market growth, supported by increasing investments in agricultural infrastructure and irrigation systems. Countries in the Middle East, such as Israel and Saudi Arabia, are at the forefront of adopting advanced agricultural technologies, including water-soluble fertilizers, to overcome water scarcity challenges and enhance crop yields. Latin America also presents lucrative opportunities for market players, driven by the region's vast agricultural resources and growing demand for high-value crops. Countries like Brazil and Argentina are key contributors to market growth, owing to their extensive agricultural production and favorable climatic conditions for crop cultivation. Additionally, the adoption of precision farming techniques and increasing investments in agricultural research and development further bolster market prospects in Latin America.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Increasing adoption of precision agriculture practices
- Ease of application and high effectiveness
-
Growth in greenhouse farming- Greenhouse farming, also known as protected cultivation, involves the cultivation of crops within a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse or polytunnel. This method offers several advantages over traditional open-field farming, including enhanced crop quality, increased yields, and year-round production regardless of external weather conditions.
Water-soluble fertilizers play a crucial role in greenhouse farming due to their compatibility with modern irrigation systems and precise nutrient delivery capabilities. In greenhouse environments, growers have greater control over factors such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity, allowing for optimal nutrient uptake by plants. Water-soluble fertilizers can be easily dissolved in irrigation water and applied directly to the root zone of plants through drip irrigation or fertigation systems. One of the key benefits of water-soluble fertilizers in greenhouse farming is their ability to deliver nutrients in a highly soluble form, ensuring rapid and efficient absorption by plant roots. This facilitates better nutrient utilization and minimizes nutrient runoff, leading to improved crop growth, quality, and yield. Additionally, water-soluble fertilizers enable growers to tailor nutrient formulations according to the specific requirements of different crops and growth stages, optimizing nutrient management and crop nutrition.
Restraints
- Limited Nutrient Stability
- Risk of Overfertilization
-
Handling and Storage Challenges- Water-soluble fertilizers, particularly in dry form, can be prone to issues such as caking, clumping, and moisture absorption, especially in humid environments. These factors can lead to difficulties in handling and dispensing the fertilizers, resulting in operational inefficiencies and product wastage. Additionally, improper storage conditions, such as exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures, can compromise the quality and efficacy of water-soluble fertilizers, reducing their shelf life and effectiveness.
Moreover, the bulkiness of dry formulations and the need for specialized equipment for handling and application further exacerbate the challenges associated with storage and transportation. Inadequate infrastructure and logistics support in certain regions may also hinder the timely delivery and distribution of water-soluble fertilizers, leading to supply chain disruptions and inventory management issues for manufacturers and distributors. These handling and storage challenges not only increase operational costs for stakeholders but also impact the overall reliability and availability of water-soluble fertilizers in the market. Addressing these constraints requires investments in proper handling and storage facilities, development of innovative packaging solutions, and implementation of stringent quality control measures throughout the supply chain.
Opportunities
- Expansion of Arable Land Utilization
- Technological Advancements Enhancing Fertilizer Application
-
Integration of Micronutrients for Comprehensive Crop Nutrition- Micronutrients, including elements such as zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, and molybdenum, are essential for various physiological processes in plants, despite being required in smaller quantities compared to macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, deficiencies in micronutrients can lead to suboptimal growth, reduced yields, and decreased crop quality.
Water-soluble fertilizers offer an efficient delivery mechanism for micronutrients, allowing for precise and targeted application to meet specific crop requirements. By incorporating micronutrients into water-soluble formulations, growers can ensure comprehensive and balanced nutrition for their crops, thereby enhancing growth, development, and overall productivity. Furthermore, the integration of micronutrients into water-soluble fertilizers enables growers to address deficiencies in soils and plants more effectively. Micronutrient deficiencies are common in many agricultural regions worldwide, often due to factors such as soil pH, organic matter content, and nutrient imbalances. Water-soluble fertilizers enriched with micronutrients offer a practical solution for correcting these deficiencies and optimizing crop performance. Moreover, the demand for high-value crops with specific nutritional requirements, such as fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops, is driving the need for tailored fertilization strategies that include micronutrient supplementation. Water-soluble fertilizers provide a flexible platform for delivering micronutrients precisely when and where they are needed, ensuring optimal nutrient uptake and utilization by plants. Additionally, the integration of micronutrients into water-soluble fertilizers aligns with the growing trend towards sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. By optimizing nutrient use efficiency and minimizing nutrient losses to the environment, water-soluble fertilizers enriched with micronutrients support sustainable crop production while reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market include:
- Nutrien
- Israel Chemical Company
- Sociedad Química y Minera De Chile (SQM)
- K+S Aktiengesellschaft
- Yara International
- Haifa Chemicals Ltd
- Coromandel International Ltd
- The Mosaic Company
- Hebei Monband Water Soluble Fertilizers Co. Ltd
- EuroChem
- Agafert
- SPIC
- Aries Agro Ltd
- Azoty Group
- Vaikic-Chim
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Mode of Application
- Market Snapshot, By Crop Type
- Market Snapshot, By Form
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
-
Increasing adoption of precision agriculture practices
-
Ease of application and high effectiveness
-
Growth in greenhouse farming
-
- Restraints
-
Limited Nutrient Stability
-
Risk of Overfertilization
-
Handling and Storage Challenges
-
- Opportunities
-
Expansion of Arable Land Utilization
-
Technological Advancements Enhancing Fertilizer Application
-
Integration of Micronutrients for Comprehensive Crop Nutrition
-
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Nitrogenous
- Phosphatic
- Potassic
- Micronutrient
- Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market, By Mode of Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Fertigation and
- Foliar.
- Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market, By Crop Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Field Crop
- Horticulture Crops
- Turf & ornaments
- Others
-
Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market, By Form, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
-
Dry
-
Liquid
-
- Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Water-Soluble Fertilizers Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
-
Nutrien
-
Israel Chemical Company
-
Sociedad Química y Minera De Chile (SQM)
-
K+S Aktiengesellschaft
-
Yara International
-
Haifa Chemicals Ltd
-
Coromandel International Ltd
-
The Mosaic Company
-
Hebei Monband Water Soluble Fertilizers Co. Ltd
-
EuroChem
-
Agafert
-
SPIC
-
Aries Agro Ltd
-
Azoty Group
-
Vaikic-Chim
-
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market