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The calcium nutrients segment is projected to capture USD 16.2 billion in 2023 and exhibit a 4.4% CAGR through 2032. This growth trajectory stems from various factors. Calcium is pivotal in plant development, bolstering cell wall structure, root growth, and overall plant vigor. The rising awareness of calcium's role in averting disorders like blossom end rot in tomatoes and bitter pit in apples is a key driver of demand. Furthermore, the shift towards precision agriculture and a focus on balanced crop nutrition is accentuating calcium's significance in enhancing fruit quality and prolonging shelf life. Given the prominence of calcium in the cultivation of high-value horticultural crops, demand is being further bolstered. Moreover, the increasing adoption of protected cultivation methods, such as greenhouses and hydroponics, which allow for precise nutrient management, is amplifying the need for calcium nutrients. With global concerns over soil degradation and acidification, the utilization of calcium-based soil amendments is poised to rise, further fueling the segment's growth in the foreseeable future.
The soil application segment will expand to USD 20.1 billion in 2024 and garner a 4.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Several factors drive this robust expansion. Soil application, the primary method for delivering secondary nutrients, is both traditional and widely embraced. It ensures crops have access to nutrients efficiently and over an extended period. Farmers, increasingly aware of soil health's direct link to crop productivity, are pivoting towards soil-based nutrient management. Moreover, technological strides in soil testing and precision agriculture tools enhance the precision and efficiency of soil applications, curbing waste and boosting cost-effectiveness.
The rising adoption of conservation agriculture and sustainable farming practices further bolsters this segment, given their emphasis on balanced nutrient applications for soil fertility. Notably, government initiatives across various nations, promoting soil health and sustainable agriculture, are nudging farmers towards sound soil nutrient management practices. With global efforts escalating to combat soil degradation and enhance agricultural sustainability, the soil application segment is poised to maintain its lead in the market.
The agricultural secondary nutrients market serves various crop types, each with unique nutrient needs. Cereals and grains, including wheat, rice, and corn, form a significant segment due to their global cultivation and importance in food security. These crops require balanced secondary nutrients to enhance yield and quality. Oilseeds and pulses, such as soybeans, canola, and lentils, represent another crucial segment, driven by their nutritional value and industrial uses. Fruits and vegetables, as high-value crops, rely on secondary nutrients to improve quality, shelf life, and plant health. This segment is sensitive to nutrient deficiencies, requiring precise management.
The "Others" category, including turf grass, ornamentals, and specialty crops, has specific nutrient needs. Although smaller in volume, this segment demands premium nutrient products and specialized formulations. The diverse nutrient requirements across these crop types drive innovation in product development and application methods, contributing to the market's growth and diversification.
The agricultural sector offers secondary nutrients in two primary forms: liquid and dry, each catering to distinct farming practices and application preferences. Liquid formulations, popular for their easy application and rapid nutrient availability, can be mixed with irrigation water for fertigation or applied through foliar sprays, making them ideal for precision agriculture and hydroponics. However, they may incur higher transportation costs and require specialized equipment. Conversely, dry formulations, available in granular or powdered forms, provide a slower, sustained nutrient release, beneficial for long-term soil fertility. They are stable during storage, easily blended with other dry fertilizers, and favored in broadacre farming and pre-planting applications. The choice between liquid and dry forms depends on factors like crop type, soil conditions, available equipment, and specific nutrient management strategies.
Asia Pacific agricultural secondary nutrients market reached USD 14.6 billion in 2023 and is poised to register a CAGR of over 4.4% from 2024 to 2032. Several factors are fueling the robust growth in the secondary nutrients market. These include escalating demands for agricultural productivity, a growing emphasis on soil health and nutrient management, technological strides in fertilizer production, and government initiatives that advocate for sustainable farming. In light of challenges such as population expansion, food security, and the push for eco-friendly agricultural methods, the demand for secondary nutrients—such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur—is poised to escalate. This surge is amplified by the industry's pivot towards precision agriculture and a focus on balanced crop nutrition, both acknowledging the pivotal role secondary nutrients play in enhancing crop yields and quality.