Specialty Fertilizer Market Outlook: Sustainable Nutrition Takes Center Stage

The global transition toward smarter, cleaner, and more efficient food production is rapidly transforming the fertilizer industry. At the heart of this change lies the specialty fertilizer market, a fast-expanding segment built on precision nutrition, controlled-release formulations, and scientifically optimized nutrient delivery systems.

According to Renub Research, the global specialty fertilizer market was valued at US$ 37.78 billion in 2024. With rising demand for sustainable, high-efficiency agricultural inputs, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.18% from 2025 to 2033, ultimately reaching US$ 64.81 billion by 2033.

As the world battles soil degradation, climate risks, water scarcity, and the pressure to feed nearly 10 billion people by mid-century, specialty fertilizers have emerged as a critical solution—driving both farm productivity and environmental responsibility.

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Understanding Specialty Fertilizers: The Future of Smart Agriculture

Unlike conventional fertilizers that release nutrients rapidly—often leading to significant leaching and waste—specialty fertilizers deliver nutrients precisely when and where crops need them most. These include:

Controlled- & slow-release fertilizers (CRFs)

Water-soluble fertilizers (WSFs)

Micronutrient blends

Biostimulant-enhanced formulations

Customized fertilizers for fertigation and precision farming

The surge in adoption is closely linked to:

Soil health restoration initiatives

Irrigation automation in horticulture

High-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, turfgrass, and greenhouse produce

Government subsidies for sustainable inputs

Growing demand for fertigation, hydroponics, and precision agriculture

Developed markets like North America and Europe have led adoption due to stricter environmental norms, while Asia-Pacific—especially India and China—is witnessing rapid expansion fueled by food security concerns and a shift toward modern farming techniques.

Top Companies Shaping the Global Specialty Fertilizer Market

Below are leading companies with strong global footprints, differentiated product portfolios, and strategic innovations driving market growth.

CF Industries Holdings Inc.

Founded: 1946

Headquarters: United States

Website: www.cfindustries.com

CF Industries is one of the world's largest producers of nitrogen and hydrogen-based chemicals. Its portfolio includes granular urea, UAN, ammonium nitrate, DEF, urea liquor, and ammonia, supplied globally to farmers, distributors, industrial clients, and cooperatives.

The company operates large-scale production complexes in Louisiana, Mississippi, and the United Kingdom, serving as critical hubs for nitrogen-based fertilizer production. Its ability to supply clean ammonia and reduce environmental emissions strengthens its positioning in the sustainability-driven fertilizer market.

Israel Chemicals (ICL Group)

Founded: 1968

Headquarters: Israel

Website: www.icl-group.com

ICL is a global leader in specialty minerals and chemicals, offering advanced fertilizer solutions including potash, phosphate, bromine compounds, magnesium, and water solubilization technologies.

Its mining operations across Israel, Europe, China, and the Americas provide unparalleled control over raw materials, allowing the company to scale production of specialty fertilizers while expanding into desalination and engineered materials.

Yara International ASA

Founded: 1905

Headquarters: Norway

Website: www.yara.com

Yara is one of the most influential players in modern agriculture, spanning the entire chain from ammonia production to precision crop nutrition. Its specialty portfolio includes urea, CAN, nitric acid, NPK blends, and environmental solutions like NOx reduction systems.

With operations in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, Yara supports industries ranging from food to utilities while pushing global initiatives around climate-smart agriculture.

Kingenta Ecological Engineering Group Co. Ltd

Founded: 1998

Headquarters: China

Website: https://www.emis.com/

Kingenta is a pioneer in advanced fertilizer technologies, specializing in controlled-release fertilizers, water-soluble products, micronutrient mixes, and biostimulants. Listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, the company is recognized for providing integrated sustainable agriculture solutions across domestic and global markets.

Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited

Founded: 1985

Headquarters: India

Website: www.nfcl.in

As one of India’s largest agro-industrial corporations, NFCL manufactures urea, ammonia, DAP, micronutrients, and specialized fertilizers, alongside micro-irrigation and farm management services. Its three divisions—Straight Nutrition, Nutrition Solutions, and Nagarjuna Management Services—support precision-driven farming across India.

Recent Product Launches in the Specialty Fertilizer Industry

BASF – Ampliqan® Nitrification Inhibitor (April 2025)

BASF launched Ampliqan®, a next-generation nitrification inhibitor using the active ingredient DMPSA-K₂. This innovation:

Reduces nitrate leaching

Increases nitrogen-use efficiency

Lowers nitrous oxide emissions

Enhances fertilizer stability across temperature variations

Initially launched in Asia-Pacific, Ampliqan® will expand globally by 2026 as BASF strengthens its climate-smart agriculture portfolio.

Tata Chemicals / Rallis India – NAYAZINC™ (December 2023)

This patented zinc fertilizer offers:

16% Zinc + 9% Magnesium

Much higher efficiency—requiring only 10% of traditional zinc sulfate

Slow-release formulation compatible with all major crops

NAYAZINC™ has been positioned as a soil-health enhancer supporting India’s sustainable agriculture mission.

SWOT Analysis – Key Industry Players

Nutrien Ltd – Strength Analysis

Nutrien’s strongest advantage is its unmatched retail distribution network of over 2,000 locations across North America, Australia, and South America. Nutrien Ag Solutions provides:

Customized specialty blends

Water-soluble fertilizers

Controlled-release products

Soil testing, agronomy services, & variable-rate technology

In 2024, Nutrien recorded:

Net earnings: US$ 700 million

Adjusted EBITDA: US$ 5.4 billion

Retail fertilizer sales: 1,751 thousand tonnes

Its direct-to-grower model ensures high-margin recurring sales and leadership in precision nutrition.

EuroChem Group – Strength Analysis

EuroChem’s vertically integrated structure—from mining raw materials to producing finished fertilizers—gives it superior cost and quality control. Key strengths:

Growing specialty portfolio (CRF, micronutrients, WSFs)

Strong R&D capabilities

Expanding presence in fast-growing markets such as Asia and Latin America

EuroChem’s strategic investments place it in a prime position to capture future high-value crop nutrition demand.

Recent Industry Developments

OCI Global

In 2025, OCI completed the US$ 1.6 billion sale of its Methanol business to Methanex, freeing resources for investment in:

Blue & green ammonia

High-margin nitrogen derivatives

Customized liquid fertilizers for fertigation

This move aligns OCI with the global push toward decarbonized fertilizer production.

Coromandel International Ltd.

In 2024, Coromandel launched its Gromor Nano DAP and Nano Urea products, supported by an advanced nano-fertilizer plant with a capacity of 10 million bottles annually. The products enhance nutrient absorption while reducing environmental impact.

Sustainability Analysis

Haifa Group

Key sustainability goals under its “Precision IMPACT” strategy include:

20% reduction in GHG emissions per ton by 2030

50% renewable energy consumption by 2030

Circular production methods using recovered CO₂

Increasing recycled packaging to 60%

Developing nutrient-efficient fertilizers with lower environmental footprints

Haifa’s alignment with UN SDGs strengthens its global ESG leadership.

Grupa Azoty S.A.

Poland’s largest chemical company is central to the EU’s climate goals. Its 2021–2030 strategy includes:

Transition toward green hydrogen and green ammonia

Implementation of low-emission technologies

Reducing CO₂ emissions from 4.3 million tons (2023 baseline)

Collaboration with environmental foundations to minimize nutrient leakage

The company aims for full climate neutrality by 2050.

Specialty Fertilizer Market — Analytical Framework

Below are the analytical components available for all companies listed:

Market & Forecast

Historical trends

Forecast outlook to 2033

Market share of key players

Segmental analysis (CRFs, WSFs, micronutrients, biostimulants)

Company Analysis

For each of the following companies:

CF Industries

Israel Chemicals

Yara International ASA

Kingenta

Nagarjuna Fertilizers

The Mosaic Company

BASF SE

OCI Global

Nutrien Ltd.

Haifa Group

EuroChem Group

Grupa Azoty S.A.

Coromandel International Ltd.

Tata Chemicals Ltd.

The report covers:

Company overview & mission

Business model & operations

Management & leadership

Workforce insights

Divisional structure

Recent developments

M&A / partnerships

Sustainability strategies

Product portfolio & pipeline

SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)

Revenue & financial analysis

Final Thoughts

As the world confronts the dual challenge of feeding a growing population while protecting natural ecosystems, specialty fertilizers are emerging as a critical bridge between productivity and sustainability.

From nano-formulations to controlled-release pellets, and from climate-smart nutrient inhibitors to precision fertigation solutions, this market reflects a new generation of agricultural innovation—one that prioritizes efficiency, stewardship, and resilience.

The industry’s future will be shaped by:

Rising fertilizer efficiency standards

Digital agriculture and precision tools

Green ammonia and low-carbon manufacturing

Government sustainability policies

Increasing consumer demand for responsible farming

With the specialty fertilizer market projected to reach US$ 64.81 billion by 2033, the coming decade will define not just the future of fertilizers, but the future of global food systems.