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Controlled-release Fertilizers Market by Type (Slow Release, Coated and Encapsulated, Nitrogen Stabilizers), Function (Temperature-dependent, Water-dependent, Time-release), Product Tier, Mode of Application, End Use, and Region - Global Forecast to 2030

The controlled-release fertilizers market is projected to reach USD 3.41 billion by 2030 from USD 2.54 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2030. The controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) market is being driven by several key factors, including the rising demand for higher crop yields and improved nutrient use efficiency. Farmers are increasingly adopting CRFs to ensure a steady nutrient supply, reduce the frequency of applications, and optimize plant growth. Environmental concerns, such as soil degradation, water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions from conventional fertilizers, are also encouraging the shift toward controlled-release solutions that minimize nutrient losses and promote sustainable agriculture. Technological advancements, including polymer-coated and biodegradable formulations, have enhanced the effectiveness and versatility of CRFs across various crops and climatic conditions. Supportive government policies, growing awareness of long-term cost savings, and increasing adoption of precision agriculture solutions further boost market growth.

 

Controlled-release Fertilizers Market

Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Driver: Rise in sustainable agriculture

The growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture has emerged as a key driver in the controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) market. Farmers and agribusinesses are increasingly adopting CRFs to enhance nutrient use efficiency, minimize losses due to leaching and volatilization, and reduce the environmental footprint of conventional fertilizers. These fertilizers release nutrients gradually in synchronization with crop uptake, supporting soil health and improving yields with fewer applications. As global policies and sustainability frameworks encourage eco-friendly farming inputs, CRFs are gaining prominence as part of integrated nutrient management practices. Moreover, rising concerns over groundwater contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource efficiency have prompted governments and agricultural agencies to promote controlled-release formulations. This shift toward sustainable and precision-based fertilization, coupled with advancements in coating technologies using biodegradable polymers, is driving broader adoption of CRFs across field crops, horticulture, and turf applications, reinforcing their role in achieving long-term agricultural sustainability.

By type, the nitrogen stabilizers segment holds a significant share in the global controlled-release fertilizers market.

Nitrogen stabilizers hold a significant share in the controlled-release fertilizers market due to their critical role in improving nutrient efficiency and reducing environmental losses. These stabilizers, which include urease and nitrification inhibitors, slow down the conversion of nitrogen in the soil, allowing crops to absorb nutrients more effectively over an extended period. By minimizing nitrogen volatilization and leaching, stabilizers help maintain soil fertility, enhance crop yields, and lower the frequency of fertilizer applications, which is particularly valuable for large-scale and high-value crops. The growing emphasis on sustainable farming practices and regulatory pressures to reduce nitrogen runoff further drive the adoption of nitrogen-stabilized CRFs. Leading players in the market, including ICL, Nutrien, SQM, and Yara, are integrating nitrogen stabilizers into their CRF offerings to meet the dual objectives of productivity and environmental stewardship. As awareness of these benefits spreads among farmers, nitrogen-stabilized fertilizers continue to capture a substantial portion of the CRF market.

By function, time-release systems hold the largest share in the controlled-release fertilizers market

Time-release systems hold the largest share in the function segment of the controlled-release fertilizers market, driven by their ability to provide a consistent and efficient supply of nutrients over extended periods. These systems, which include polymer-coated and matrix-based formulations, are designed to synchronize nutrient release with crop uptake, minimizing losses due to leaching, volatilization, or runoff. Their widespread adoption across various crops, including cereals, vegetables, fruits, and high-value plantations, underscores their versatility and effectiveness in enhancing yield and quality. Farmers are increasingly preferring time-release fertilizers due to their convenience, reduced application frequency, and long-term cost benefits, particularly in large-acreage farming operations. Additionally, rising environmental awareness and regulatory support for sustainable nutrient management practices have further accelerated the adoption of time-release CRFs. Combined with ongoing innovations in biodegradable coatings and multi-nutrient formulations, time-release systems continue to dominate the functional segment, reinforcing their pivotal role in modern agriculture.

By region, North America holds the largest share of the controlled-release fertilizers market.

North America holds the largest share in the controlled-release fertilizers market, supported by its highly developed agricultural infrastructure, extensive farmland, and adoption of advanced crop management practices. Farmers in the region increasingly prioritize sustainable nutrient management to enhance yields while minimizing environmental impact, making CRFs a preferred solution for row crops, horticulture, and high-value plantations. The presence of key global players, including ICL, Nutrien, Yara, and SQM, with established manufacturing and distribution networks, further strengthens the market in North America. Technological innovations, including polymer-coated, multi-nutrient, and biodegradable CRFs, address the diverse crop and soil requirements prevalent in the region. Additionally, government policies promoting sustainable agriculture and precision farming practices encourage the adoption of controlled-release fertilizers, ensuring efficient nutrient use and long-term soil health. Rising awareness of cost savings from reduced application frequency and improved nutrient efficiency is also driving market penetration.

The dominance of North America in the CRFs market is reinforced by strong R&D capabilities and the adoption of precision agriculture technologies, which enable data-driven nutrient management and optimize fertilizer application. Large-scale farming operations benefit from the convenience and efficiency of CRFs, reducing labor and operational costs while supporting consistent crop growth. Strategic initiatives by leading companies, such as facility expansions, product launches, and partnerships with regional distributors, further consolidate the market position.

The report profiles key players such as Yara (Norway), Nutrien Ltd. (Canada), Mosaic (US), ICL (Israel), Nufarm (Australia), Kingenta (China), ScottsMiracle-Gro (US), Koch Industries (US), Helena Chemicals (US), SQM (Chile), Haifa Negev Technologies Ltd. (Israel), JCAM AGRI Co., Ltd. (Japan), COMPO EXPERT (Germany), The Andersons Inc. (US), and Van Iperen International (Netherlands).

Recent Developments in the Controlled-release Fertilizers Industry:

  • April 2025: Malaysia’s Wastech Group and US-based Pursell Agri-Tech partnered to launch a facility in Malaysia for producing controlled-release fertilizers, aiming to enhance nutrient delivery for crops in Southeast Asia.
  • November 2023: Nutrien partnered with agtech startup CoteX to develop a sustainable, controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer for large-scale crop production.
  • September 2023: Sollio Agriculture, the agribusiness arm of Sollio Cooperative Group, opened CRF Agritech, a new controlled-release fertilizer manufacturing facility in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.
  • January 2023: ICL introduced eqo.x, a novel controlled-release fertilizer featuring a groundbreaking biodegradable release technology.

 

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