Top Controlled-release Fertilizers Companies

The controlled-release fertilizers market is estimated to be worth USD 2.54 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 3.41 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2030. The controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) market is being driven by multiple factors that are reshaping the global agricultural landscape. Rising demand for higher crop yields and improved nutrient use efficiency is prompting farmers to adopt fertilizers that release nutrients gradually, reducing the need for frequent applications and optimizing plant growth. Environmental concerns, including soil degradation, water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions from conventional fertilizers, have accelerated the shift toward CRFs, which minimize nutrient leaching and enhance sustainability. Technological advancements, such as polymer-coated formulations and biodegradable release mechanisms, have expanded the versatility and effectiveness of CRFs across diverse crops and climatic conditions. Government regulations and policies promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices are also incentivizing the adoption of controlled-release solutions. Additionally, the increasing focus on precision agriculture and digital farming techniques allows better monitoring of nutrient application, further boosting CRF adoption. Growing awareness among farmers about long-term cost savings and soil health benefits, combined with rising investments from key market players in R&D, strategic partnerships, and regional expansions, is further fueling market growth globally. These factors collectively position CRFs as a critical component in modern sustainable agriculture.

Some of the key players in the controlled-release fertilizers market with significant global presence include Yara, Nutrien Ltd., Mosaic, ICL, Pursell Agri-Tech, LLC, Nufarm, and Kingenta. These players have incorporated various organic and inorganic growth strategies, including collaborations, acquisitions, product launches, partnerships, agreements, and expansions, to strengthen their international footprint and capture a greater share of the controlled-release fertilizers market. These organic and inorganic strategies have enabled market players to expand geographically by offering controlled-release fertilizers to the market.

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In November 2023, Nutrien partnered with agtech startup CoteX to develop a sustainable, controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer for large-scale crop production.

In January 2023, ICL introduced eqo.x, a novel controlled-release fertilizer featuring a groundbreaking biodegradable release technology.

ICL (ISRAEL)

ICL is a global specialty minerals and agricultural solutions company, serving farmers, industrial clients, and consumers with a diverse portfolio of products spanning fertilizers, specialty phosphates, and potash-based solutions. The company operates across key business segments, including Agriculture, Industrial Products, and Food & Nutrition. Within its agriculture segment, ICL focuses on crop nutrition solutions that enhance yield, efficiency, and sustainability. Its controlled-release fertilizers, such as the recently launched eqo.x, leverage innovative biodegradable release technology to provide crops with a steady nutrient supply over an extended period. These products are designed to enhance nutrient use efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and promote sustainable farming practices, catering to a diverse range of field crops, horticulture, and high-value plantations. ICL combines extensive R&D capabilities, strategic partnerships, and a global distribution network to strengthen its presence in the controlled-release fertilizers market while addressing the evolving needs of modern agriculture.

In February 2021, ICL launched its 5th-generation Osmocote controlled-release fertilizer, designed to elevate ornamental plant nutrition and optimize nutrient release.

NUTRIEN (CANADA)

Nutrien is one of the world’s largest providers of crop inputs and solutions, operating through its core business segments: Retail, Potash, and Nitrogen. The company supplies fertilizers, crop protection products, and digital agronomy solutions to farmers globally, aiming to maximize crop productivity and sustainability. In the controlled-release fertilizers segment, Nutrien offers innovative nitrogen and multi-nutrient formulations that release nutrients gradually, enhancing efficiency and minimizing environmental losses. Through strategic collaborations, such as its partnership with agtech startup CoteX, Nutrien is developing sustainable controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers suitable for large-acreage crops. By integrating advanced product technologies with precision agriculture solutions, Nutrien enables growers to optimize nutrient management, enhance soil health, and achieve higher yields. Its comprehensive approach combines production, distribution, and advisory services to strengthen its footprint in the controlled-release fertilizers market while supporting environmentally responsible farming practices.

In July 2022, Nutrien Ltd. acquired Casa do Adubo S.A., a Brazilian company with 39 retail locations and 10 distribution centers, to expand its presence and serve more growers with sustainable agricultural solutions.

Market Ranking

The controlled-release fertilizers market is consolidated, dominated by a few global players, including ICL, Nutrien, SQM, and Yara, which leverage advanced CRF technologies, such as polymer-coated and biodegradable formulations, to address the growing demand for sustainable crop nutrition. These key companies focus on strategic initiatives, including product innovation, R&D investments, partnerships, and regional expansions, to strengthen their market position and expand their distribution networks. While a limited number of large players hold the majority of market share, smaller regional companies exist but have a minimal impact on overall market dynamics, making the competitive landscape concentrated and driven by the strategic moves of leading global firms.

In April 2025, Pursell Agri-Tech and Wastech Group partnered to launch a facility in Malaysia for producing controlled-release fertilizers, aiming to enhance nutrient delivery for crops in Southeast Asia. In September 2023, Sollio Agriculture, the agri-business arm of Sollio Cooperative Group, opened CRF Agritech, a new controlled-release fertilizer manufacturing facility in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. In May 2021, Koch Agronomic Services acquired Compass Minerals. This acquisition would help growers improve nutrient efficiency, uptake, and utilization worldwide. In March 2021, a strategic partnership was formed between Mosaic and AgBiome to develop novel biological alternatives that improve soil health and fertility. This partnership represents a growing trend in the agricultural industry towards sustainable solutions, especially in controlled-release fertilizers. In January 2021, ICL purchased Fertilaqua, a renowned specialty plant nutrition company in Brazil. By integrating Fertilaqua into its portfolio, ICL aims to leverage the company’s strong market presence and distribution capabilities to boost sales of its organic fertilizers, controlled-release fertilizers, and other specialized plant nutrition products in the rapidly growing Brazilian agricultural market.

Related Reports:

Controlled-release Fertilizers Market by Type (Slow Release, Coated and Encapsulated, Nitrogen Stabilizers), Function (Temperature-dependent, Water-dependent, Time-release), Product Tier, Mode of Application, End Use, and Region - Global Forecast to 2030

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