Smart Release Fertilizers Market

Smart Release Fertilizers Market outlook (2025 to 2035)

The global smart release fertilizers market was valued at USD 3,145 million in 2024 and has been forecast to expand at a noteworthy CAGR of 5.0% to end up at USD 5,375 million by 2035.

Smart Release Fertilizers (SRF) are an innovative advancement in agricultural nutrient management, such as controlled-release and slow-release technology optimizing nutrient availability to crops.

Smart release fertilizer class is about cutting-edge coating technologies and chemistry that regulate release of nutrients based on environmental conditions and crop requirements. The industry is experiencing rapid growth driven by increasing adoption of precision agriculture practices and sustainable agronomy. Agricultural intensification in developing regions, coupled with highly restrictive environmental regulation, has fueled the shift toward these next-generation fertilizer technologies.

The market has experienced a rapid acceleration of technology advancement, particularly in polymer coating technologies and bio-based formulation systems, which enables manufacturers to formulate products more finely calibrated to target crop and environment conditions. Growing emphasis on improving nutrient use efficiency with little environmental impact has led to SRF becoming a critical component of modern farming practices.

For Instance :

• February 2025, Haifa Group opened a new Multicote blending factory in Uberlândia, Brazil, to expand production of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs). The factory will expand availability for vegetables, onions, and corn. It also offers specialty fertilizer blends, addressing the unique crop and soil requirements in Brazil.
• Between 2025 and 2035, the polymer-coated fertilizers are anticipated to create an absolute dollar opportunity of USD 1,031 million.
• In 2025, the soil application is projected to hold 65.9% of the market share in the product development in smart release fertilizers market, with an estimated value of USD 2,175 million.

Report Attributes	Details
Global Smart Release Fertilizers Market Size (2024A)	USD 3,145 Million
Estimated Market Value (2025E)	USD 3,300 Million
Forecast Market Value (2035F)	USD 5,375 Million
Global Market Growth Rate (2025 to 2035)	5.0% CAGR
North America Market Share (2025)	32.6%
U.S. Market Growth Rate (2025 to 2035)	5.5% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	AgroLiquid; DeltaChem; Haifa Group; ICL Group; Kingenta; Koch Agronomic Services; Nufarm; Nutrien Ltd.; Pursell Agri-Tech; ScottsMiracle-Gro; Summit Fertilizers; The Mosaic Company; Yara International ASA; Other key players.

Historic Analysis (2020 to 2024) and Future (2025 to 2035) Pathway Analysis for the Global Smart Release Fertilizers Market

The market for global smart release fertilizers grew at a growth rate of 5.0% from 2020 to 2024, and by the end of 2024, it was valued at USD 3,1445 million. The stringent regulations related to smart release fertilizers is a major factor for the steady increase of the market during the forecast period.

Historical Report Attributes	Details
Market Size (2020A)	USD 2,594 million
Market Size (2024A)	USD 3,145 million
Historical CAGR (2020 to 2024)	4.7%
Forecast CAGR (2025 to 2035)	5.0%

• Short Term (2025 to 2029): Digital agriculture integration and smart farming techniques will drive short-term market growth. Integrating SRF with precision agriculture technologies like IoT sensors and data analysis enables farmers to optimize timing and rate of nutrient application. Major Agtech firms are developing bundled offerings that integrate SRF with smart farming systems such that real-time monitoring of the pattern of release of nutrients and crop uptake is enabled. This bridge between cutting-edge digital technology and high-level fertilizer solutions is particularly evident in high-value crop segments.
• Medium Term (2029 to 2031): Sustainable Agriculture Policies and Environmental Regulations will drive market growth in medium term. Increased government interest in reducing agricultural environmental pressure through stricter nitrogen management legislation will accelerate SRF adoption. The European Union's Farm to Fork Strategy and similar initiatives worldwide are establishing standards that favor controlled-release fertilizer technologies. Subsidies and incentives for sustainable agriculture and agricultural subsidies are being redirected to promote SRF adoption.
• Long Term (2031 to 2035): Biotechnology integration and next-generation release technologies will transform the market dynamics in long term. Advanced biotechnology research is enabling the development of smart fertilizers with enhanced biological content and symbiotic relationships with soil microorganisms. Market leaders are investing in R&D to come up with hybrid products with controlled-release mechanisms and biological growth promoters. This product development will change nutrient management practices in agriculture at a fundamental level.

On the back of the aforementioned facts, the global smart release fertilizers market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035, according to the Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider.

Market Dynamics

What are the Factors Propelling Global Sales of Smart Release Fertilizers?

“Agricultural Sustainability and Environmental Concerns”

The growing focus of the agricultural sector on sustainability is a key driver for SRF adoption. Environmental concerns related to the application of conventional fertilizers, including nutrient leaching and water pollution, have accelerated the need for more efficient nutrient delivery. SRF technologies address these issues directly through the controlled release profiles of nutrients to match the cropping schedule of demand.

This alignment significantly reduces nutrient losses through leaching and volatilization, resulting in decreased environmental impact. Farming policies across the world are incorporating indicators of sustainability, and the policy environment is supportive of SRF implementation.

“Technological Advancements in Coating Materials”

Innovation in coating technology has revolutionized the SRF industry with the use of high-performance materials for efficient control of nutrient release. Innovative developments in polymer science and nanotechnology have facilitated the development of smart coatings responsive to environmental and crop needs.

These technological developments have greatly increased product performance while reducing production costs. Major chemical producers have been putting lots of money into R&D for creating biodegradable coating products, which work effectively and also for ecological reasons. Combining novel coating technologies expanded the uses of SRF products for a number of crops and circumstances under which crops are grown.

What are the Challenges Encountered by Manufacturers of Smart Release Fertilizers?

“Limited Farmer Awareness and High Initial Costs”

The widespread adoption of SRF faces significant hurdles due to limited farmer awareness and higher upfront investment requirements compared to conventional fertilizers. Majority of farmers, particularly in developing countries, do not know SRF benefits and application procedure.

The upfront price premium of SRF products, even though they end up saving money, is a barrier to their use, most critically among small farmers who lack sufficient capital. Educational and demonstration projects are required but labor- and budget-intensive. Industry has to produce cheaper solutions with no sacrifice on product quality to address this challenge effectively.

Country-wise Insights

Why is Adoption of Smart Release Fertilizers High in the United States?

“Advanced agricultural infrastructure and strong focus on technological innovation is expected to drive the market in United States (U.S.)”

The market in the United States is reached at USD 816.5 million in 2025 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.5% through 2035.

The United States has high SRF adoption due to its highly established agricultural infrastructure and strong focus on technological innovation. The country's robust research ecosystem, combining academic and private sector initiatives, drives constant evolution of SRF technologies.

The early adoption of precision agriculture practices by American farmers has also created a natural gateway for the incorporation of SRF. Strong environmental policies and sustainability initiatives also support market growth. Presence of big agricultural technology companies and big distribution channels makes market development and product availability possible.

Why is China a Lucrative Market for Smart Release Fertilizers Manufacturers?

“Massive agricultural sector and government-driven modernization initiatives make China a lucrative market for Smart Release Fertilizers.”

The market in the China is estimated to reach USD 859.1 million in 2035 at a CAGR of 5.6%. This market is projected to generate a USD 362.0 million absolute opportunities from 2025 to 2035.

China is a lucrative market for SRF manufacturers due to its massive agricultural sector and government-led modernization initiatives. China's food security and sustainable agriculture programs have created high demand for new fertilizer technologies.

Agricultural transformation policies in China, including subsidies for modern farming methods, are in favor of SRF adoption directly. The presence of large domestic manufacturers and growing investment in agri-tech make China a significant market for domestic and international SRF producers.

Category-wise Insights

Why are Polymer-Coated Fertilizers Gaining Prominence in Precision Agriculture?

“Polymer-Coated fertilizers gaining prominence in precision agriculture due to their superior control over nutrient release patterns.”

Demand of Polymer-coated fertilizers are projected to increase at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2025 to 2035. Polymer-coated fertilizers are leading segment of the SRF market due to improved control over the release pattern of nutrients.

The products offer unparalleled precision in the delivery of nutrients, which is perfectly aligned with the new demands of precision agriculture. Advanced polymer technologies enable the customization of release rates based on crop needs and environmental conditions. Major manufacturers have developed proprietary coating materials that ensure consistent performance under various agricultural conditions.

How is Soil Application Driving Innovation in SRF Product Development?

“Soil application method's effectiveness in delivering nutrients directly to the root zone has driven manufacturers to develop products specifically optimized for soil conditions.”

Soil application is projected to register a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period and anticipated to reach a market valuation of USD 3,580.0 million by 2035-end.

Soil application is the most common application of SRF, and this has precipitated significant innovation in product formulation and application technology. The effectiveness of this application technique in delivering nutrients to the root zone has pushed manufacturers to formulate products that are especially designed for soil.

The integration of soil analysis information and application technology has enabled more precise placement of the product and better nutrient use efficiency.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the Smart Release Fertilizers market are AgroLiquid, DeltaChem, Haifa Group, ICL Group, Kingenta, Koch Agronomic Services, Nufarm, Nutrien Ltd., Pursell Agri-Tech, ScottsMiracle-Gro, Summit Fertilizers, The Mosaic Company, Yara International ASA.

Companies devote a significant portion of their revenue to R&D to resolve problems and offer creative solutions to draw in new customers and stay competitive. Companies are developing customized offerings for issues that meet industry-specific needs to compete with other players.

• In August 2024, ICL has signed a five-year, $170 million contract with AMP Holdings Group in China to supply specialty water-soluble fertilizers for drip irrigation. The high-value crop deal on apples and watermelons is complementing ICL's growth strategy in China's expansion in the fertigation market driven by agricultural transformation and growing crop demand.
• In June 2024, Nutrien Ag Solutions has acquired Suncor Energy's AgroScience business, including patented biocontrol technologies. The acquisition is a part of Nutrien's plans to invest in innovative biocontrol solutions through Loveland Products. The technology is a new mode of action and exhibits high efficacy, stability, and economic value, competing with traditional synthetic crop protection.

Fact.MR has provided detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of smart release fertilizers positioned across regions, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in the recently published report.

Segmentation of Smart Release Fertilizers Industry Research

• By Type :

  • Polymer-Coated Fertilizers
  • Sulfur-Coated Fertilizers
  • Organic-Based Slow-Release Fertilizers
  • Chemical Compounds (e.g., Urea-Formaldehyde)

• By Application Method :

  • Soil applied
  • Foliar applied
  • Fertigation

• By Crop Type :

  • Cereals & Grains
  • Oilseeds & Pulses
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Turf & Ornamentals
  • Other Crops

• By Application :

  • Agriculture
  • Horticulture
  • Lawn & Turf Care
  • Other Applications (Forestry, Floriculture)

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa