Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Report
Market Description
The Controlled-release Fertilizers (CRFs) market is a growing segment within the global agricultural inputs industry. CRFs are fertilizers encapsulated inside a coating that gradually releases nutrients over time, ensuring greater nutrient-use efficiency, reduced losses, and minimized environmental pollution. This controlled release mechanism allows nutrients to be absorbed by plant roots more effectively, improving crop yields and sustainability.
CRFs are also referred to as coated or encapsulated fertilizers, as the release is regulated by a polymer or sulphur coating that contains water-soluble fertilizer. Nutrient release occurs through osmosis, with rates positively correlated to temperature.
The first generation of CRFs was sulphur-coated urea (SCU), which has largely been replaced by polymer/sulphur-coated products. Polymer-coated fertilizers now occupy a significant share of the market due to their superior performance. However, local production in many regions remains insufficient to meet demand, leading to reliance on imports. In recent years, companies such as Haifa have expanded capacity to address this gap.
In terms of consumption, professional applications (horticulture, turf management, landscaping) dominate, followed by consumer use (gardening). Interestingly, agriculture accounts for the smallest share, despite its potential, due to cost considerations and limited awareness in developing markets.
Segments
- By Product Type
- Sulphur-coated Urea (SCU) – First generation CRF, gradually being replaced.
- Polymer-coated Fertilizers – Advanced products with higher efficiency and durability.
- Polymer/Sulphur-coated Fertilizers – Hybrid products combining benefits of both coatings.
- Others – Specialty CRFs designed for niche applications.
- By Application
- Professional Use – Turf management, horticulture, landscaping, golf courses.
- Consumer Use – Home gardening and small-scale applications.
- Agriculture – Field crops, fruits, and vegetables (currently least share but with growth potential).
- By Region
- North America – Strong demand in turf management and horticulture.
- Europe – Focus on sustainable agriculture and environmental compliance.
- China – Expanding production base but still reliant on imports.
- Japan & India – Emerging demand in horticulture and agriculture.
- Southeast Asia – Growing adoption in professional landscaping and agriculture.
- Other Regions – Latin America and Middle East & Africa contributing through agricultural modernization.
Key Players
- Global Leaders
- Agrium
- J.R. Simplot
- Koch Industries
- Knox
- ICL (Israel Chemicals Ltd.)
- Harrell’s
- Helena
These companies dominate through technological innovation, distribution networks, and capacity expansion, with multinational corporations leading global supply while regional firms cater to localized demand.
DROT Analysis
- Drivers
- Rising demand for sustainable agriculture and reduced environmental impact.
- Increasing adoption in professional landscaping and horticulture.
- Technological advancements in polymer-coated fertilizers.
- Government initiatives promoting efficient fertilizer use.
- Restraints
- High production costs compared to conventional fertilizers.
- Limited awareness among farmers in developing regions.
- Dependence on imports in regions with insufficient local production.
- Opportunities
- Expansion into emerging markets such as India, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
- Development of eco-friendly coatings and biodegradable polymers.
- Rising demand in consumer gardening and landscaping sectors.
- Potential for integration with precision agriculture technologies.
- Threats
- Intense competition among global and regional players.
- Price volatility of raw materials.
- Regulatory challenges in chemical production and environmental compliance.
Value Chain Analysis
- Raw Material Supply
- Fertilizer base materials (urea, NPK compounds) and coating materials (sulphur, polymers).
- Manufacturing & Processing
- Encapsulation of fertilizers with coatings to regulate nutrient release.
- Distribution Channels
- Direct supply to professional landscapers, horticultural firms, and agricultural cooperatives.
- Retail and e-commerce platforms for consumer gardening products.
- End-Use Applications
- Professional turf management, horticulture, consumer gardening, and agriculture.
- Aftermarket Services
- Technical support, product customization, and sustainability certifications.
Market Outlook
The Controlled-release Fertilizers market is expected to grow steadily between 2026 and 2036, supported by sustainability initiatives, technological innovation, and rising demand in professional applications.
- North America and Europe will remain strong consumer markets, focusing on turf management and sustainable agriculture.
- China will continue to expand production but remain reliant on imports to meet demand.
- India and Southeast Asia will emerge as high-growth regions due to agricultural modernization and landscaping projects.
- Latin America and Middle East & Africa will contribute through infrastructure development and agricultural expansion.
The market outlook suggests a moderate CAGR, with opportunities concentrated in polymer-coated fertilizers, eco-friendly innovations, and emerging regional markets. Companies focusing on cost efficiency, sustainability, and global expansion will secure long-term competitive advantage.
Conclusion
The global Controlled-release Fertilizers market is evolving as a critical component of modern agriculture and landscaping. With strong demand in professional applications and growing awareness of sustainability, CRFs are positioned for robust growth. While challenges such as high costs and limited agricultural adoption persist, opportunities in emerging markets, eco-friendly product development, and technological innovation ensure that controlled-release fertilizers will remain a key driver of efficiency and sustainability in the global fertilizer industry.
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Table of Contents
Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Professional Survey Report
1 Industry Overview of Controlled-release Fertilizers
1.1 Definition and Specifications of Controlled-release Fertilizers
1.1.1 Definition of Controlled-release Fertilizers
1.1.2 Specifications of Controlled-release Fertilizers
1.2 Classification of Controlled-release Fertilizers
1.2.1 Sulphur-coated urea (SCU)
1.2.2 Polymer-coated products
1.2.3 Polymer/ Sulphur-coated products
1.2.4 Others
1.3 Applications of Controlled-release Fertilizers
1.3.1 Professional application
1.3.2 Consumers using
1.3.3 Agriculture industry
1.4 Market Segment by Regions
1.4.1 North America
1.4.2 Europe
1.4.3 China
1.4.4 Japan
1.4.5 Southeast Asia
1.4.6 India
2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Controlled-release Fertilizers
2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers
2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Controlled-release Fertilizers
2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Controlled-release Fertilizers
2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Controlled-release Fertilizers
3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Controlled-release Fertilizers
3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Major Manufacturers in
3.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Major Manufacturers in
3.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Major Manufacturers in
3.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Major Manufacturers in
4 Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Overall Market Overview
4.1 -E Overall Market Analysis
4.2 Capacity Analysis
4.2.1 -E Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis
4.2.2 Controlled-release Fertilizers Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)
4.3 Sales Analysis
4.3.1 -E Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales and Growth Rate Analysis
4.3.2 Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales Analysis (Company Segment)
4.4 Sales Price Analysis
4.4.1 -E Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales Price
4.4.2 Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)
5 Controlled-release Fertilizers Regional Market Analysis
5.1 North America Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Analysis
5.1.1 North America Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Overview
5.1.2 North America -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.1.3 North America -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales Price Analysis
5.1.4 North America Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Share Analysis
5.2 Europe Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Analysis
5.2.1 Europe Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Overview
5.2.2 Europe -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.2.3 Europe -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales Price Analysis
5.2.4 Europe Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Share Analysis
5.3 China Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Analysis
5.3.1 China Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Overview
5.3.2 China -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.3.3 China -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales Price Analysis
5.3.4 China Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Share Analysis
5.4 Japan Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Analysis
5.4.1 Japan Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Overview
5.4.2 Japan -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.4.3 Japan -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales Price Analysis
5.4.4 Japan Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Share Analysis
5.5 Southeast Asia Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Analysis
5.5.1 Southeast Asia Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Overview
5.5.2 Southeast Asia -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.5.3 Southeast Asia -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales Price Analysis
5.5.4 Southeast Asia Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Share Analysis
5.6 India Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Analysis
5.6.1 India Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Overview
5.6.2 India -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.6.3 India -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales Price Analysis
5.6.4 India Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Share Analysis
6 Global -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Segment Market Analysis (by Type)
6.1 Global -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales by Type
6.2 Different Types of Controlled-release Fertilizers Product Interview Price Analysis
6.3 Different Types of Controlled-release Fertilizers Product Driving Factors Analysis
6.3.1 Sulphur-coated urea (SCU) Growth Driving Factor Analysis
6.3.2 Polymer-coated products Growth Driving Factor Analysis
6.3.3 Polymer/ Sulphur-coated products Growth Driving Factor Analysis
6.3.4 Others Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7 Global -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Segment Market Analysis (by Application)
7.1 Global -E Controlled-release Fertilizers Consumption by Application
7.2 Different Application of Controlled-release Fertilizers Product Interview Price Analysis
7.3 Different Application of Controlled-release Fertilizers Product Driving Factors Analysis
7.3.1 Professional application of Controlled-release Fertilizers Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7.3.2 Consumers using of Controlled-release Fertilizers Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7.3.3 Agriculture industry of Controlled-release Fertilizers Growth Driving Factor Analysis
8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Controlled-release Fertilizers
8.1 Agrium
8.1.1 Company Profile
8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.1.2.1 Product A
8.1.2.2 Product B
8.1.3 Agrium Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.1.4 Agrium Controlled-release Fertilizers Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.2 J.R. Simplot
8.2.1 Company Profile
8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.2.2.1 Product A
8.2.2.2 Product B
8.2.3 J.R. Simplot Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.2.4 J.R. Simplot Controlled-release Fertilizers Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.3 Koch
8.3.1 Company Profile
8.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.3.2.1 Product A
8.3.2.2 Product B
8.3.3 Koch Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.3.4 Koch Controlled-release Fertilizers Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.4 Knox
8.4.1 Company Profile
8.4.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.4.2.1 Product A
8.4.2.2 Product B
8.4.3 Knox Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.4.4 Knox Controlled-release Fertilizers Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.5 ICL
8.5.1 Company Profile
8.5.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.5.2.1 Product A
8.5.2.2 Product B
8.5.3 ICL Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.5.4 ICL Controlled-release Fertilizers Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.6 Harrell's
8.6.1 Company Profile
8.6.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.6.2.1 Product A
8.6.2.2 Product B
8.6.3 Harrell's Controlled-release Fertilizers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.6.4 Harrell's Controlled-release Fertilizers Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.7 Helena
Segments
- By Product Type
- Sulphur-coated Urea (SCU) – First generation CRF, gradually being replaced.
- Polymer-coated Fertilizers – Advanced products with higher efficiency and durability.
- Polymer/Sulphur-coated Fertilizers – Hybrid products combining benefits of both coatings.
- Others – Specialty CRFs designed for niche applications.
- By Application
- Professional Use – Turf management, horticulture, landscaping, golf courses.
- Consumer Use – Home gardening and small-scale applications.
- Agriculture – Field crops, fruits, and vegetables (currently least share but with growth potential).
- By Region
- North America – Strong demand in turf management and horticulture.
- Europe – Focus on sustainable agriculture and environmental compliance.
- China – Expanding production base but still reliant on imports.
- Japan & India – Emerging demand in horticulture and agriculture.
- Southeast Asia – Growing adoption in professional landscaping and agriculture.
- Other Regions – Latin America and Middle East & Africa contributing through agricultural modernization.
Key Players
- Global Leaders
- Agrium
- J.R. Simplot
- Koch Industries
- Knox
- ICL (Israel Chemicals Ltd.)
- Harrell’s
- Helena
These companies dominate through technological innovation, distribution networks, and capacity expansion, with multinational corporations leading global supply while regional firms cater to localized demand.
