Sustainable Agriculture Trends Propel Foliar Fertilizer Market Toward USD 28.72 Billion by 2030

 According to a new report from Mordor Intelligence, the global foliar fertilizer market size is projected to grow from USD 21.34 billion in 2025 to USD 28.72 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.12% over the forecast period. The foliar fertilizer industry is witnessing strong growth driven by evolving agricultural practices, demand for targeted nutrient applications, and sustainability priorities. As farmers increasingly adopt precision agriculture techniques, foliar applications are emerging as efficient, eco-friendly solutions tailored to crop and soil needs.

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Technological Shift Reshaping Fertilizer Application

Modern farming operations are embracing sensor-based tools and automated spraying equipment, enhancing the accuracy of nutrient delivery. Liquid and water-soluble fertilizers led the market in 2022, together accounting for the bulk of applications. Notably, water-soluble variants held 54.7% market share, while liquids comprised 45.3%, showing a clear shift toward versatile, fast-absorbing formats.

Companies are also developing nano-formulations, chelated nutrients, and smart-release technologies to boost nutrient uptake and efficiency. These solutions address key issues such as volatilization and runoff, helping farmers improve yield while reducing waste.

Environmental and Nutritional Sustainability at the Core

With field crops occupying over 85% of global agricultural acreage, sustainable nutrient practices have become a priority. Manufacturers are responding with specialized foliar formulations that target deficiencies without burdening soil or water systems. In 2022, nitrogen-based foliar fertilizers captured 69.6% of the straight fertilizer segment due to their role in boosting chlorophyll production and plant tissue formation.

Micronutrient supplementation is also on the rise. In Europe, where 60% of agricultural soil is iron-deficient and 28% is zinc-deficient, foliar sprays are being used to directly correct imbalances. These targeted solutions are playing a vital role in improving crop quality and health.

Foliar Fertilizer Market Segmentation Highlights

By Type:

  • Straight Fertilizers: Account for approximately 52% of the global market volume in 2024. These include nitrogenous, phosphatic, and potassic foliar fertilizers used to address specific nutrient needs.
  • Complex Fertilizers: Increasingly used in intensive and protected farming systems, these formulations deliver balanced nutrition in a single spray, saving time and labor.

By Crop Type:

  • Field Crops: Represent about 78% of the market value in 2024. Key crops include corn, wheat, rice, rapeseed, and soybean. Field crops benefit from foliar applications especially during critical growth stages.

  • Horticultural Crops: Growing at around 7% CAGR (2024–2029), driven by greenhouse cultivation and demand for high-quality fruits and vegetables.

  • Turf and Ornamentals: Serve urban landscaping, golf courses, and public spaces, with tailored nutrient needs and increasing demand in developed regions.

By Geography:

  • Asia-Pacific: Dominates global market share, led by China (33% of regional share in 2024) and India (fastest-growing at ~7% CAGR). Adoption is rising due to shrinking arable land and need for improved crop productivity.
  • North America: Second-largest region, with the US accounting for 46.2% of crop cultivation. Precision farming and sustainable practices support growth.
  • Europe: Sophisticated farming practices and environmental regulation have driven adoption. Russia and Ukraine show strong growth, driven by large-scale field crop production.
  • South America: Brazil and Argentina lead adoption due to high demand in soybean, corn, and sugarcane farming.
  • Middle East and Africa: Turkey leads the region, while Saudi Arabia is the fastest-growing market due to water-efficient farming practices.

Primary Nutrients Driving Application

The average global application rate of primary nutrients in field crops stands at 164.31 kg/ha. Among them:

  • Nitrogen dominates at 224.6 kg/ha
  • Potassium follows at 150.3 kg/ha
  • Phosphorus at 117.9 kg/ha

High nutrient-intensive crops like rapeseed, corn, and canola see targeted application patterns. For instance, rapeseed leads nitrogen usage at 347.4 kg/ha, while corn and canola top phosphorus and potassium usage respectively.

Foliar Fertilizer Market Landscape: Consolidation and Innovation

The foliar fertilizer market is moderately consolidated, with a mix of global conglomerates and regional specialists. Leading companies are expanding through mergers, acquisitions, and regional manufacturing setups. They are also forming alliances with agri-tech firms to innovate in nutrient delivery and precision farming solutions.

Key Foliar Fertilizer Market Players Include:

  • ICL Group Ltd
  • Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited
  • Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA
  • The Mosaic Company
  • Yara International ASA

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Start-ups and regional players are finding opportunities in niche segments by offering customized, crop-specific solutions. The shift toward sustainability has also prompted investments in biodegradable formulations, digital tools for fertilizer guidance, and smart packaging systems.

Conclusion

The global foliar fertilizer market is undergoing a fundamental shift as modern agriculture prioritizes efficiency, sustainability, and tailored crop nutrition. With rising food demand, shrinking arable land, and climate uncertainty, foliar feeding emerges as a vital solution to enhance productivity while protecting the environment. Between 2025 and 2030, the market’s growth will be steered by advancements in formulation, regional expansion strategies, and the growing need for responsive and precise nutrient application.

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