secondary macronutrients market size is impacted by several key factors that shape its growth and dynamics. Secondary macronutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, are essential for plant growth and development, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes. One of the primary drivers of this market is the increasing focus on soil health and fertility. As farmers strive to optimize crop yields and enhance the quality of their produce, there's a growing recognition of the importance of secondary macronutrients in maintaining balanced soil nutrition. Deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, or sulfur can result in reduced crop productivity and inferior crop quality, driving demand for fertilizers and soil amendments rich in these nutrients.
Moreover, changes in agricultural practices and cropping patterns contribute to the demand for secondary macronutrients. Intensive farming methods, such as monoculture and high-yield crop varieties, often deplete soil nutrients at a faster rate, necessitating the supplementation of secondary macronutrients to sustain optimal plant growth. Additionally, the expansion of specialty crop production, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which have specific nutritional requirements, further fuels the demand for targeted nutrient applications, including secondary macronutrients.
The Secondary Macronutrients Market is projected to reach USD 43.45 Billion, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.9% during the forecast period.
Technological advancements and innovations in fertilizer formulations also play a significant role in driving market growth. Manufacturers are continually developing new products and formulations that enhance nutrient availability, improve soil retention, and minimize nutrient losses through leaching or volatilization. These innovations enable farmers to achieve more precise and efficient nutrient management, optimizing resource utilization and reducing environmental impacts. Furthermore, the adoption of precision agriculture technologies, such as soil testing, remote sensing, and variable rate application, facilitates customized nutrient applications tailored to the specific needs of different soil types and crop varieties, driving demand for secondary macronutrient products.
Another factor influencing the secondary macronutrients market is the increasing awareness of sustainable agriculture practices. As concerns about soil degradation, water quality, and environmental pollution intensify, there's a growing emphasis on nutrient stewardship and conservation. Secondary macronutrients, particularly sulfur, play a vital role in improving soil structure, enhancing nutrient uptake, and mitigating nutrient losses, thereby contributing to sustainable soil management practices. Consequently, farmers are incorporating secondary macronutrient fertilizers and soil amendments into their nutrient management strategies to improve soil health, reduce dependency on synthetic inputs, and minimize environmental impacts.
Market dynamics are also shaped by regulatory policies and government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. Governments around the world are implementing regulations and incentive programs to encourage the adoption of practices that enhance soil fertility, conserve natural resources, and minimize nutrient runoff. Subsidies, grants, and tax incentives for the use of secondary macronutrient fertilizers or organic soil amendments incentivize farmers to invest in sustainable soil management practices, driving market growth. Additionally, regulatory requirements for nutrient management planning and reporting create opportunities for companies offering soil testing services, nutrient management software, and precision agriculture technologies that support compliance with regulatory standards.
Furthermore, macroeconomic factors such as commodity prices, exchange rates, and agricultural policies influence market dynamics. Fluctuations in crop prices can impact farmers' purchasing decisions and their willingness to invest in secondary macronutrient fertilizers. Currency exchange rates affect the cost of imported fertilizers and raw materials, influencing market competitiveness and pricing strategies. Moreover, changes in agricultural policies, such as subsidies for biofuel production or restrictions on fertilizer use, can have profound effects on market demand and supply dynamics.
Secondary Macronutrients Market Size was valued at USD 32.29 Billion in 2023. The secondary macronutrients market industry is projected to grow from USD 34.195 Billion in 2024 to USD 51.09 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.15 % during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The increasing adoption of precision agriculture practices, growing demand for high-quality and nutrient-efficient crop production, and rising awareness about soil health and sustainable farming practices are the key market drivers enhancing secondary macronutrients market share
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research,MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The increasing secondary micronutrient deficiency in soil and the growing area under cultivation for high-value crops drive market CAGR. Secondary macronutrient shortage causes leaf yellowing, slowed development, and decreased crop output. Secondary macronutrients are given to crops and soil to provide vital minerals, sustaining crop and soil health. Intensive farming practices, such as monoculture and excessive fertilizer use, can deplete the soil, reducing the availability of secondary nutrients. As a result, there is a greater demand for supplemental secondary nutrient fertilizers. There is a growing demand for high-quality, nutrient-dense crops as people become more health-conscious. Secondary nutrients are vital to modern agriculture because they are important in crop development and quality.
Consumption of animal products rises as more people reach the middle class, driving rising demand for grains and other crops used to feed the animals. As more people relocate to cities, the amount of arable land available for farming decreases, increasing agricultural production on existing farmland. Increased agricultural land productivity and research into novel food production methods, such as vertical farming and urban agriculture, are required to meet the needs of the urban population. The most effective utilization of secondary nutrients can greatly increase the productivity of currently employed agricultural land while supporting sustainable and innovative food production methods. These are key factors propelling the growth of secondary macronutrient market revenue.
Based on nutrients, the secondary macronutrients market segmentation includes calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. The calcium segment dominated the market, accounting for 40% of market revenue (12.2 billion). With rising awareness of soil health and sustainable agriculture practices, farmers and growers are increasingly adopting calcium-based fertilizers to address calcium deficiencies in the soil. Calcium helps plants improve soil structure and nutrient absorption, minimizing nutrient imbalances and contributing to better crop nutrition and higher-quality produce. The agricultural industry is shifting towards specialty fertilizers, including calcium-based products. These formulations are tailored to specific crop needs and soil conditions, ensuring targeted nutrient delivery and reducing nutrient wastage.
Figure 1: Secondary Macronutrients Market, by Nutrient, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The magnesium segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the secondary macronutrient industry in the coming years. Soil depletion and magnesium deficiency resulting from intensive farming practices have highlighted the key role of magnesium as a secondary macronutrient in supporting plant growth and development. As farmers increasingly recognize the importance of addressing magnesium deficiencies, the demand for magnesium-based fertilizers surges to restore soil health. Moreover, magnesium's pivotal role in chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis leads to improved crop yields and higher-quality produce, driving its adoption.
Based on form, the secondary macronutrient market segmentation includes liquid and dry. The dry segment dominated the market, accounting for 68% of revenue. Dry versions of secondary macronutrients are advantageous for farmers as they are easy to handle and carry. Secondary macronutrients are typically less expensive in dry form than in liquid form. This cost-effectiveness is especially advantageous for farmers who require big amounts of these nutrients. Secondary macronutrients have a longer shelf life in dry form than in liquid form. As a result, they can be stored for longer periods without spoiling, making them a dependable alternative for farmers who need to ensure a consistent food supply.
Based on the mode of application, the secondary macronutrient market segmentation includes broadcasting, fertigation, and foliar. The foliar category generated the most income (44%). The foliar application involves spraying secondary macronutrient-based fertilizers directly onto the leaves of plants. This method allows nutrients to be absorbed quickly and efficiently through the leaf surface, bypassing the root system. As a result, plants can rapidly access secondary macronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, even when soil conditions may hinder nutrient uptake through the roots.
By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American secondary macronutrient market accounted for USD 13.96 billion in 2022 and will likely exhibit a significant CAGR growth in the study period. Farmers in the region are becoming more aware of the importance of secondary macronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur for optimizing crop yields and quality. The rising focus on soil health and nutrient management and regional government initiatives promoting balanced fertilization contribute to the growing demand for secondary macronutrient products.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, the UK, Italy, Spain, France, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea, India, and Brazil.
Figure 2: SECONDARY MACRONUTRIENTS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Europe secondary macronutrients market accounts for the second-largest market share. European farmers actively seek innovative solutions to enhance crop nutrition and mitigate nutrient loss. Additionally, the regional regulatory support for environmentally friendly agricultural practices fosters the demand for secondary macronutrients through organic and eco-friendly farming approaches. Further, the German secondary macronutrient market held the largest market share, and the UK secondary macronutrient market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.
The Asia-Pacific Secondary Macronutrients Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. As countries in Asia Pacific experience economic growth and urbanization, the demand for high-quality agricultural products rises, necessitating enhanced crop productivity and sustainability. Growing awareness of nutrient deficiencies and the benefits of secondary macronutrient-based fertilizers drives regional market growth. Moreover, China’s secondary macronutrient market held the largest market share, and the Indian secondary macronutrient market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Leading market players significantly invest in research & development to innovate and expand their product offerings. These investments aim to develop advanced secondary macronutrient formulations that cater to specific crop requirements, improve nutrient absorption, and enhance overall crop health. Secondary macronutrient industry participants actively undertake strategic activities to expand their market presence and strengthen their position. Key market developments include new product launches with improved nutrient compositions and convenient application methods and entering into contractual agreements with distribution partners and agricultural cooperatives to broaden their reach.
Mergers and acquisitions are also rising in the secondary macronutrient industry. Major players are acquiring specialized companies to access innovative technologies, consolidate their market share, and expand their product portfolios. These strategic moves position them as comprehensive solution providers, enabling farmers to source all their secondary macronutrient needs from a single supplier. In recent years, the secondary macronutrient industry has offered some of the most significant advantages that address specific nutritional requirements and improve soil health and performance. Major players in the secondary macronutrients market, including Nutrien Ltd (Canada), Yara International ASA (Norway), The Mosaic Company (US), Israel Chemicals Ltd (Israel), SPIC (India), Koch Industries INC (US), Coromandel International Ltd (India), Haifa Negev Technologies LTD (Israel), Kugler Company (US), IFFCO (India), Western Nutrients Corporation (US), Arise Agro Limited (India), are striving to boost market demand by increasing their R&D efforts, expanding their product portfolios, and adopting sustainable practices.
Yara International ASA, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, is a leader in crop nutrition and environmental solutions. Founded in 1905 as Norsk Hydro and later demerged in 2004, the company offers a diverse portfolio of fertilizers, crop nutrition solutions, and industrial products, including nitrogen-based, phosphate-based, and compound fertilizers, as well as specialty fertilizers and industrial chemicals. Yara operates in over 60 countries and serves farmers worldwide through an extensive distribution network. In March 2021, Yara International revealed its plans to expand its portfolio of secondary macronutrient products. The company announced the development of innovative micronutrient-enhanced fertilizers, which are expected to improve crop yields and nutrient use efficiency.
Nutrien Ltd is a fertilizer manufacturing firm that develops and supplies fertilizers such as nitrogen, potash, phosphate, and ammonium sulfate. It also offers crop protection and fertilizer products, goods, seed solutions, and digital tools to crop growers. It provides retail services like field advising, crop consulting, and agronomic solutions. Nutrien sells its goods to industrial and agricultural customers worldwide. The corporation operates in Canada, the United States, Australia, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, India, China, and other Latin American and Asian countries. Nutrien's headquarters are in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. In November 2020, Nutrien introduced a new line of premium secondary macronutrient products enriched with essential trace elements. These products address specific nutrient deficiencies in different soil types, enhancing overall crop health and quality.
Secondary Macronutrients Industry Developments
January 2023: K+S Aktiengesellschaft (Germany) agreed to buy 75% of the agricultural input division of Industrial Commodities Holdings (Pty) Ltd (South Africa).
August 2022: Koch Industries INC (US) announced the addition of a new manufacturing plant in Dodge City, Kansas, to its secondary macronutrient production capability. It will annually produce 35,000 tons of UAN.
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