Chelate Fertilizer Market Size & Share Trends, 2033

Chelate Fertilizer Market Overview

The Chelate Fertilizer Market size was valued at USD 1473.44 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1976.93 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2025 to 2033.

The chelate fertilizer market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for efficient nutrient delivery systems in agriculture. Chelated fertilizers enhance the availability of micronutrients to plants, leading to improved crop yields and quality. The adoption of chelated fertilizers is particularly prominent in cereal and grain crops, which require balanced micronutrient supply for optimal growth. The increasing awareness of soil health and the need for sustainable farming practices are further propelling the market forward. Notably, Asia-Pacific holds a significant share of the market, with countries like China and India exhibiting substantial growth rates.

Key Findings

Driver: Growing demand for sustainable farming practices is a primary driver of the chelate fertilizer market.

Country/Region: Asia-Pacific region, particularly countries like China and India, holds a significant share in the chelate fertilizer market.

Segment: Zinc-chelated micronutrients lead the market, constituting a substantial portion of the market share.

Chelate Fertilizer Market Trends

The chelate fertilizer market is experiencing several notable trends that are shaping its growth trajectory. One significant trend is the increasing adoption of precision agriculture techniques, which emphasize the efficient use of inputs to maximize crop yields. Chelated fertilizers play a crucial role in this context by ensuring the optimal availability of micronutrients to plants. The market is also witnessing a shift towards the use of environmentally friendly and biodegradable chelating agents, aligning with the global emphasis on sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, technological advancements are leading to the development of slow-release fertilizer formulations, enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The expansion of online distribution channels is another trend, facilitating easier access to chelated fertilizers for farmers worldwide. These trends collectively contribute to the robust growth of the chelate fertilizer market.

Chelate Fertilizer Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Growing demand for sustainable farming practices.

The increasing global emphasis on sustainable agriculture is a significant driver of the chelate fertilizer market. Farmers are adopting chelated fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and optimize crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Chelated micronutrients improve nutrient uptake efficiency, reducing the need for excessive fertilizer application and mitigating the risk of nutrient runoff. This aligns with the goals of sustainable farming, which seeks to balance productivity with environmental stewardship. The adoption of chelated fertilizers is particularly prominent in regions where sustainable agriculture is a priority, contributing to the market's growth.

RESTRAINT

High cost of production associated with chelate fertilizers.

The production of chelated fertilizers involves specialized raw materials and complex manufacturing processes, leading to higher costs compared to conventional fertilizers. This cost factor can be a barrier to adoption, especially for small-scale farmers or those in developing regions with limited financial resources. Additionally, the lack of awareness about the benefits of chelated fertilizers among some farmers further hampers market penetration. Addressing these cost-related challenges is essential to broaden the adoption of chelated fertilizers and realize their full market potential.

OPPORTUNITY

Development of bio-based and environmentally friendly chelating agents.

The growing demand for eco-friendly agricultural inputs presents an opportunity for the development of bio-based chelating agents. These agents offer similar efficacy in nutrient delivery while reducing environmental impact. The shift towards organic and sustainable farming practices is driving research and innovation in this area. Companies investing in the development of biodegradable and non-toxic chelating agents are well-positioned to capitalize on this emerging market segment. The adoption of such products can enhance the sustainability profile of agricultural practices and meet the evolving preferences of environmentally conscious consumers.

CHALLENGE

Regulatory hurdles and varying agricultural standards across regions.

The chelate fertilizer market faces challenges related to regulatory compliance and differing agricultural standards across countries. The approval and use of certain chelating agents are subject to stringent regulations, which can vary significantly between regions. Navigating these regulatory landscapes requires substantial resources and expertise, potentially delaying product launches and market entry. Moreover, the lack of harmonization in standards can complicate international trade and limit the global reach of chelated fertilizer products. Addressing these regulatory challenges is crucial for the seamless expansion of the chelate fertilizer market.

Chelate Fertilizer Market Segmentation

The chelate fertilizer market is segmented based on type and application.

By Type

Primary Nutrients: Primary nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are essential for plant growth. Chelated forms of these nutrients enhance their availability and uptake efficiency. While the market share of chelated primary nutrients is relatively smaller compared to micronutrients, their importance in comprehensive nutrient management is recognized. The integration of chelated primary nutrients in fertilizer formulations supports balanced plant nutrition and contributes to improved crop yields.
Secondary Nutrients: Secondary nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, play vital roles in plant development. Chelated forms of these nutrients ensure their stability and prevent precipitation in the soil, enhancing their availability to plants. The use of chelated secondary nutrients is particularly beneficial in soils with high pH levels, where nutrient availability can be limited. Their application supports the correction of nutrient deficiencies and promotes optimal plant health.
Micronutrients: Micronutrients, including iron, zinc, manganese, and copper, are required in trace amounts but are crucial for plant physiological functions. Chelated micronutrients prevent nutrient fixation in the soil, ensuring their availability for plant uptake. The application of chelated micronutrients addresses specific nutrient deficiencies and enhances crop quality and yield.

By Application

Soil Application: Soil application is the most traditional and widely used method for delivering chelated fertilizers directly to the root zone. In this method, chelated micronutrients are applied to the soil either before or during planting. It allows plants to absorb essential nutrients through their roots. In 2024, approximately 45% of chelate fertilizer applications globally were soil-based. This method is particularly effective in addressing deficiencies in iron, zinc, and manganese, especially in calcareous soils where nutrient fixation is a concern. The chelation process ensures nutrients remain soluble and available for uptake for a longer duration, improving nutrient efficiency and minimizing leaching losses. Soil application is preferred for row crops, cereals, and legumes due to its ease of use and compatibility with existing farming practices.
Foliar Application: Foliar spraying involves applying chelated fertilizers directly onto plant leaves, enabling faster nutrient absorption and quick correction of visible nutrient deficiencies. This method accounted for around 28% of global chelate fertilizer usage in 2024. Foliar application is particularly effective during critical growth stages or when root absorption is impaired due to soil issues like pH imbalance or drought. Micronutrients such as iron (Fe), boron (B), and copper (Cu) are often applied using this method. The high absorption efficiency, often reaching up to 90% in ideal conditions, makes foliar feeding a go-to choice for horticultural crops, fruits, and vegetables. Farmers increasingly adopt foliar feeding to boost yield and improve the quality of produce without altering soil composition.
Fertigation: Fertigation combines fertilization with irrigation by delivering chelated nutrients through drip or sprinkler systems. This method represented about 21% of chelated fertilizer application worldwide in 2024. It allows for precise control over nutrient delivery, optimizing plant uptake and reducing waste. Chelated micronutrients used in fertigation include zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and magnesium (Mg), which help support vigorous vegetative growth and flowering. Fertigation is especially popular in greenhouse farming and intensive horticulture operations due to its efficiency and adaptability. Moreover, this method minimizes labor and fuel costs associated with conventional fertilizer application methods and ensures uniform nutrient distribution, especially in large-scale operations.
Others: Other methods of chelate fertilizer application include seed treatment, hydroponics, and controlled-release technologies. Although they account for a smaller portion—approximately 6% of global usage in 2024—they play crucial roles in specialized farming systems. In hydroponics, chelated nutrients are essential due to the absence of soil, ensuring plants receive balanced nutrition in aqueous environments. Seed treatment with chelated micronutrients enhances seedling vigor and early-stage growth. Controlled-release formulations are gaining attention as they offer extended nutrient availability and reduce application frequency. These methods are often utilized in research, urban farming, and precision agriculture, reflecting the market’s evolving technological landscape.

Chelate Fertilizer Market Regional Outlook

The chelate fertilizer market exhibits varying dynamics across different regions, influenced by agricultural practices, soil conditions, and regulatory frameworks.

North America

North America holds a significant share of the chelate fertilizer market, driven by advanced agricultural practices and the emphasis on high-quality crop production. The adoption of chelated fertilizers in the region is supported by the need to address micronutrient deficiencies in soils and enhance crop yields. The integration of precision agriculture technologies further propels the market's growth in North America.

Europe

Europe is experiencing a growing demand for chelated fertilizers, attributed to the increasing awareness of soil health and sustainable farming practices. The region's diverse soil types and varying pH levels necessitate the use of chelated micronutrients to ensure optimal nutrient availability. Regulatory support for environmentally friendly agricultural inputs and the emphasis on reducing chemical fertilizer usage contribute to the market's expansion in Europe.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing significant growth in the chelate fertilizer market, driven by the need to enhance agricultural productivity to meet the food demands of a growing population. Countries like China and India are adopting chelated fertilizers to address soil nutrient deficiencies and improve crop yields. The region's focus on sustainable agriculture and the adoption of modern farming techniques further support market growth.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region is gradually adopting chelated fertilizers, with a focus on improving agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid areas. The use of chelated fertilizers in these regions helps address micronutrient deficiencies in soils, leading to better crop performance. Government initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture are expected to drive the growth of the chelate fertilizer market in the Middle East & Africa.

List Of Chelate Fertilizer Companies

BASF SE
Akzo Nobel N.V.
Syngenta AG
Nufarm Limited
Haifa Chemicals Ltd.
Aries Agro Limited
Van Iperen International
Valagro SPA
Protex International
Deretil Agronutritional

BASF SE: BASF SE is a leading player in the chelate fertilizer market, offering a wide range of chelated micronutrient products that enhance nutrient availability and uptake in plants.

Akzo Nobel N.V.: Akzo Nobel N.V. holds a significant share in the market, providing high-quality chelating agents that improve the efficiency of micronutrient fertilizers.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The chelate fertilizer market is experiencing significant investment activity, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient agricultural inputs. Investments are being channeled into research and development to innovate new chelating agents and improve existing formulations. The focus is on developing biodegradable and environmentally friendly chelating agents that align with sustainable farming practices. Additionally, companies are investing in expanding their production capacities to meet the growing demand for chelated fertilizers. The integration of digital technologies in agriculture, such as precision farming and data analytics, is also attracting investments, as these technologies enhance the efficiency of chelated fertilizer application. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are witnessing increased investment due to the rising awareness of soil health and the need for high-quality crop production. Collaborations and partnerships among key players are further facilitating investment opportunities, enabling the sharing of resources and expertise to drive innovation and market expansion.

New Product Development

New product development in the chelate fertilizer market is advancing rapidly, driven by the agricultural sector's growing need for efficient, eco-friendly, and targeted nutrient solutions. As farming practices shift toward sustainability and precision, manufacturers are innovating formulations, delivery systems, and chelating agents to better meet diverse crop and soil requirements. One key focus in new product development is the creation of biodegradable chelating agents. Traditional agents like EDTA and DTPA, while effective, have environmental persistence concerns. In response, companies are launching chelate fertilizers that use IDHA (Iminodisuccinic acid) and GLDA (Glutamic acid diacetic acid)—both readily biodegradable and compliant with organic farming guidelines. In 2024, over 19% of newly launched chelate fertilizers used biodegradable agents, indicating a steady shift toward greener solutions.

Manufacturers are also investing in nanotechnology-based chelated fertilizers. These products enhance micronutrient solubility and stability, offering controlled-release mechanisms and improved plant uptake. For example, nano-chelated iron fertilizers showed a 25% higher absorption efficiency compared to conventional chelates in 2023 field trials. These innovations help reduce application frequency, lower overall input costs, and minimize nutrient leaching. Another emerging trend is crop-specific chelated fertilizer blends. Custom formulations tailored for crops such as rice, maize, soybean, grapes, and tomatoes have been developed. These blends include optimal ratios of iron, zinc, manganese, and copper chelates, improving crop yields and quality. For example, a tomato-specific chelated mix launched in late 2023 demonstrated a 17% increase in fruit size and a 22% boost in overall yield compared to traditional fertilization methods. Water-soluble chelate fertilizers are another area gaining attention. These products dissolve completely in irrigation systems and are particularly effective in fertigation and foliar spray applications. In regions facing water scarcity, water-soluble chelates have gained popularity due to their high efficiency and minimal waste. The latest water-soluble iron chelate (EDDHA-based) released in early 2024 achieved over 95% solubility in alkaline soils, maintaining plant-available iron even at pH levels above 7.5.

Five Recent Developments

Nouryon's Acquisition of ADOB Fertilizers: Nouryon expanded its portfolio by acquiring ADOB Fertilizers, enhancing its offerings in chelated micronutrients and specialty fertilizers.
Yara International's Acquisition of Agronord: Yara International acquired Agronord to strengthen its position in the chelated micronutrient segment and expand its market reach.
JR Simplot's Introduction of New Chelated Micronutrient Products: JR Simplot launched a new line of chelated micronutrient fertilizers, focusing on improved nutrient delivery and compatibility with precision agriculture systems.
Development of Bio-based Chelating Agents: Companies are investing in the research and development of bio-based chelating agents to provide sustainable alternatives to synthetic chelates.
Integration of Digital Agriculture Technologies: The adoption of digital tools and precision farming technologies is being integrated into chelated fertilizer application methods, enhancing efficiency and crop productivity.

Report Coverage of Chelate Fertilizer Market

The report on the chelate fertilizer market offers an exhaustive analysis of the industry, delivering critical insights across multiple dimensions. It begins with a macro-level overview of the market, identifying global patterns and regional shifts in the use of chelated fertilizers. In 2024, the market witnessed increasing adoption due to heightened focus on soil health, crop productivity, and micronutrient deficiency correction, particularly in countries with rapidly expanding agricultural sectors like India, China, and Brazil. The coverage includes a detailed segmentation of the market based on nutrient type, including primary nutrients (such as N, P, K), secondary nutrients (including Ca, Mg, S), and micronutrients (like Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu). Among these, chelated micronutrients held the largest share, with zinc and iron being the most commonly used due to their widespread deficiency in soils globally. Zinc chelates alone constituted over 34% of the total chelated micronutrient use in 2024. Application-based segmentation is also thoroughly examined, focusing on soil, foliar, fertigation, and other specialized methods such as hydroponics and seed treatment. Soil application emerged as the dominant method, accounting for around 45% of usage, followed by foliar spraying at 28% and fertigation at 21%. Each application method is discussed in the context of crop types, regional preferences, and efficiency metrics. Geographical analysis within the report evaluates the performance of the market across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific remains the most dynamic region, with significant growth attributed to government incentives, population-driven food demand, and modernization of agriculture. China and India collectively represented a major share of chelate fertilizer usage due to large-scale cereal and horticultural production. The report further delves into market dynamics, identifying the primary drivers such as increased demand for sustainable farming inputs, rising awareness of micronutrient deficiencies, and growing adoption of precision agriculture. It also explores restraints like high production costs and limited awareness in developing regions. Opportunities for market expansion include the development of biodegradable chelating agents and integration with smart agriculture technologies. Challenges highlighted involve varying regulatory frameworks and logistical barriers across regions. Additionally, the competitive landscape is reviewed, profiling key players and assessing their strategic activities, including mergers, acquisitions, product launches, and R&D initiatives. The report tracks recent innovations in product formulations and delivery systems, including slow-release and nano-chelated fertilizers. It concludes by evaluating investment trends, forecasting market behavior, and identifying the sectors with the highest potential for growth and innovation within the chelate fertilizer ecosystem.