Starter Fertilizers Market - By Type, Form, Crop Type Industry Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast 2025 - 2034

Starter Fertilizers Market Size

The global starter fertilizers market was valued at USD 8.6 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach USD 14.2 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.3%. Advancements in agriculture and crop yield management are directly bolstering the global demand for starter fertilizers. These fertilizers are specially formulated to provide vital nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) at the most critical periods of seed and young plant development. As the market propels towards precision farming, starter fertilizers remain crucial in fostering plant growth and aiding root system formation.
 

Usually placed or incorporated with the seed at planting, starter fertilizers are used on corn, soybean, cereal, and other vegetable crops. Liquid form of stater fertilizer is becoming more popular because of their convenience and ease of use when compared to granular forms. The development of new starter fertilizer formulations enhanced with nutrient blends, micronutrients, and water-soluble compounds is broadening their market applicability and competitive advantage.
 

The market expansion is being fueled by many different drivers. First, the increase in the food demand globally is pushing the farmers towards the adoption of advanced fertilization techniques. Second, the reduction in land available and the need to maximize yield per hectare encourages the use of starter fertilizers. Third, policies that government is initiating to encourage agriculture and balanced fertilization in the less developed areas, is aiding growth.
 

In 2023, U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) received a boost of approximately USD 1.537 trillion, accounting for a 5.5% share, from agriculture, food, and related industries, as reported by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Of this total, America's farms alone contributed USD 222.3 billion, translating to roughly 0.8% of the nation's GDP.

While productivity and efficiency are prioritized on farms, the market will demand early-stage nutrient solutions which will further enhance the development and innovation of starter fertilizers to sustain agricultural productivity and farm output.
 

Starter Fertilizers Market Trends

The starter fertilizer market is undergoing vibrant changes driven by modern agricultural practices and a sustainability focus. A macro trend that is clear is the current global focus on food security, which increases the use of initial-stage nutrient solutions which supports better crop establishment and even crop emergence.
 

The advancement is also changing the market scenario. The latest micro starter fertilizers, for instance, now come with micronutrients such as zinc and boron that enhance nutrient absorption and root development during the growing stages. Additionally, bio-based stimulants and microbial inoculants aimed at improving soil and nutrient profile are coming into play. Controlled delivery systems are also being developed to reduce nutrient loss through pulse controlled or nano-formulated fertilizers.
 

Governments are also focusing on governing low impact fertilizer construction. New environment policies are leaning on nullifying nutrient runoff and better placement precision of condoned application, which incentivizes better product design and equipment compatibility.
 

Beside this, the shift is also revolving on consumers, with farmers putting more attention on performance value. As for the companies, they are putting capital into automated blending technologies and digitized quality control systems for consistent products. Additionally, collaborations among agri-tech companies and fertilizer companies are fast tracking the construction of data driven solutions that combine soil analysis with special blend fertilizers—marking a future where starter fertilizers are intelligent, eco-friendly, and productivity driven.
 

For instance, in May 2024, AgroChem Solutions launches smart liquid fertilizer system, integrating soil sensors and GPS for precision application. Early trials show 20% reduction in fertilizer use with maintained yields. This type of advancement will further boost the growth of starter fertilizer market.
 

Tariff Impact

The imposition of U.S. tariffs on fertilizer import may have direct consequences for the starter fertilizer market. With more than 90% potassium fertilizers imported and mainly from Canada, a 25% tariff could increase potash prices by more than USD 100 per ton which would directly raise starter fertilizer costs. Although nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers are less import dependent, tariffs may create market forces that drive up pricing.
 

These costs could cause farmers to lower their starter fertilizer application rates or find other nutrients which could reduce crop yields. This slowdown in innovation and increase in input costs, along with supply chain disruptions, could also deter the available supply of starter fertilizers. In general, the market would face a heightened level of uncertainty, decreased demand, and changes in supplier partnerships.
 

Starter Fertilizers Market Analysis

Based on type the market is segmented into phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and micronutrients. The phosphorus accounted for 44.8% of the market share in 2024 and is expected to grow with the CAGR of 5.1% in 2034.
 

• Phosphorus currently has the largest share in the marketplace for starter fertilizers since it is one of the most important nutrients for preliminary plant growth, especially concerning root development and transfer of energy. Phosphorus utilization at the time of planting usually increases seedling strength, leads to uniform seedling emergence, and fosters acceleration during primary growth which maximally sustains high yield levels. Developments like phosphorus compounds that are water-soluble have also enhanced and increased the availability of nutrients which helps strengthen phosphorus’s position in the market while simultaneously maintaining its market demand in agronomic regions.
   
• For example, in 2022, ammonium phosphate dominated global phosphate fertilizer consumption, tallying over 21.46 million metric tons of phosphorus pentoxide (P?O?). Following closely, complex NPK fertilizers accounted for an approximate consumption of 11.31 million tons of P?O?.
   
• In chlorophyll production and leaf expansion, nitrogen acts as a nutrient alongside phosphorus in the starter fertilizer. Usually added later during the season, even small amounts of nitrogen in starter combinations can help with metabolism activation. Next is potassium, whose functions in the early stages such as maintenance of water balance and reinforcement against diseases are also essential. Shrinking starter fertilizer’s micronutrients gap, more and more producers include zinc, manganese, and boron for their roles in activating enzymes, modifying hormones, and aiding in root formation. The growing movement towards pre-made blends and precise application increases the use of complete starter packages that offer balanced macronutrients and micronutrients so young plants can develop early on with a balanced nutrition system.

Based on form the starter fertilizers market is segmented into dry and liquid. Dry holds the market share of 55.1% in 2024 and expected to grow at a faster rate of 5.3% CAGR.
 

• The reason dry starter fertilizers hold the most share in the market is due to their affordability, ease of transport as well as storage and longer shelf life. In addition, they are mostly sold in granulated or pellet form. They are also preferred for their ability to offer concentrated nutrients to the seed during planting. Their practicality and adoption are further enhanced because they are compatible with conventional farming planting equipment, particularly with large scale row crop farming such as corn, soybean, and wheat. Moreover, their flexible nutrient blending also enhances their practicality as farmers can easily alter the nutrient ratios according to soil testing as well as crop requirements. Their relatively lower price point when compared to other formulations makes them a preferred option for farmers across diverse agricultural regions. 
   
• Liquid starter fertilizers take up the second most market share. Their quicker availability as well as their uniform application is what allows them to grow in popularity. They are especially useful in precision agriculture as well as in no till farming systems where seeds require direct contact with the nutrients. Their ease of application enables them to advance the value of crops. However, unlike dry formulations, their storage and transportation costs are significantly higher which restricts their use.
   
• For instance, as of 2022, the liquid fertilizer market in the United States was valued at approximately USD 1.55 billion. The market is forecast to increase every year until 2030, when it is expected to increase to over USD 1.7 billion. The steady expansion of the U.S. liquid fertilizer market indicates an increasing acceptance of modern, simple-to-use nutrient application methods which may benefit the consumption of liquid starter fertilizers in precision agriculture and high-value crop production.
   

Based on crop type the starter fertilizers market is segmented into cereals & grains, fruits & vegetables, oilseeds & pulses, forage crops, others. The cereals & grain segment holds a significant market size of USD 3 billion of the market in 2024.
 

• Cereals and grains take the largest share of the starter fertilizer market due to their worldwide cultivation and the high nutrient requirements during the early growth phases. Cropping such as corn and wheat, along with rice, requires strong rooting and early growth and all of these are possible with the use of phosphorus fertilizers. Cereal crop growers are adopting precision farming strategies which help boost uniformity and crop yield per hectare. Applying nutrients at the planting stage helps ensure proper nutrient uptake, thus making starter fertilizers necessary during the cultivation of modern cereals and grains.
   
•  Vegetables and fruits, especially high-value crops like tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers, utilize early nutrient availability to promote uniform germination and enhance shelf life. Oilseeds and pulses like soybeans and peanuts are known to use starter fertilizers in oilseed and pulse crops grown due to phosphorus-deficient soils in developing areas. Although these segments are less than cereals, their growth is driven by the increasing demand for high-quality produce, protein-dense feed, and efficient land usage which motivates them to use starter fertilizers for improved early crop performance.

In the starter fertilizers market, U.S. account the major share in North America by accounting USD 1.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% in 2034.
 

• The U.S. hold the dominant position in starter fertilizers in North America, owing to the extensive agriculture of corn, wheat, and sorghum which require starter fertilizers. The region has also invested in infrastructure supporting fertilizer production and distribution. Coupled with the growing use of advanced technologies in agriculture such as precision nutrient applications and scope soil management, the demand for starter fertilizers is expected to rise.
   
• In 2023, the export value of agriculture products in the U.S. was USD 170 billion. To maintain this level of output, a growing number of farmers may begin to use starter fertilizers which enhance plant developmental yield at the early stages of growth. Therefore, demand for starter fertilizers in the U.S. may increase, along with attempts to maintain exports and meet international market demands.
   
• Additionally, ongoing innovations in the United States to improve fuel efficiency and increase crop yield dwarf competition from the rest of North America, solidifying the U.S. position as the frontrunner in malnourished crop regions.
   

Starter Fertilizers Market Share

Top 5 companies include Yara, Syngenta, Nufarm Agri Solution, UPL and Cf Industries. These are prominent companies within the global market operating in their respective regions. These companies hold strong positions globally due to their extensive experience in crop protection market. Their diverse product portfolios, backed by robust production capabilities and distribution networks, enable them to meet the rising demand for starter fertilizers across various regions.
 

Starter Fertilizers Market Companies

Yara International ASA: Yara keeps its global champion position in crop nutrition and starter fertilizers due to its full-fledged value chain that stretches from ammonia manufacturing to custom fertilizer blend production. The firm emphasizes precision farming and digital agriculture technologies for the advancement of initial stages of crops.


Syngenta Crop Protection AG: Syngenta is differentiated from its competitors in the starter fertilizer category with the outstanding integration of seed treatment and agronomic advisory. Syngenta starter fertilizers are used together with their hybrid seed primary offerings, particularly in maize and oilseeds. The firm advocates an integrated strategy of plant nutrition that regards starter nutrition as an integral subcomponent of a sustainably focused yield-based approach system.
 

Nufarm Agri Solutions: For Nufarm, growth strategy in the starter fertilizer segment is centred around improving alignment with sustainable practices. To keep in step with regenerative agriculture movements, the company tends to market bio-based or micronutrient fortified starter fertilizers.
 

UPL Limited: UPL Limited describes itself as a worldwide ag-tech vendor. The firm’s edge is providing the most recent innovations in starter fertilizers in areas where there is lack of appropriate fertilizers. Such regions include South Asia and certain parts of Africa. UPL employs regional alliances along with integrated nutrient systems that use biological and chemical nutrients, servicing conventional and organic markets.
 

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.: Because of its leadership in the nitrogen-based fertilizers sector, CF Industries achieves scale and cost savings in the starter fertilizer industry. Its starter products that contain nitrogen-bearing compounds are popular in the corn belt region of the US. CF’s competitive edge stems from its massive production capacities and centralized supply chain controls, guaranteeing fluency of early nutrient product's supply during vital planting periods.
 

Starter Fertilizers Industry News:

• In July 2024, Brazilian manufacturer Terraplant launched MinerOxi+, the 3-in-1 organomineral fertilizer. According to the company the product combines essential minerals, organic fractions, and oxides, which are suitable to combat environmental challenges and fulfils need for more sustainable agricultural practices.
   
• In June 2023, ICCL, a leading global specialty fertilizer company, has unveiled a range of water-soluble micronutrient and N-P-K fertilizers in the North American market. This expansion aligns with their commitment to offering innovative, high-quality agricultural solutions in the region.
   
• In November 2021, Smartchem Technologies Limited (STL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL), introduced its specialized fertilizer 'Croptek' within the Mahadhan brand, designed to cater to the needs of onion cultivators.
   

The starter fertilizers market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Billion from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Phosphorus
  • Monoammonium phosphate
  • Diammonium phosphate
  • Ammonium phosphate 
• Nitrogen
  • Ammonium nitrate
  • Ammonium sulfate
• Potassium
  • Potassium chloride
  • Potassium magnesium sulfate
  • Potassium sulfate
• Micronutrient
  • Sulfur
  • Zinc
  • Boron
  • Others

Market, By Form

• Dry
• Liquid

Market, By Crop Type

• Cereal & grain
  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Rice
  • Barley 
• Fruit & vegetables
• Oilseeds & pulses
  • Soybean
  • Sunflower
  • Canola
• Forage crops
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands 
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE