Micronutrient Fertilizers Market Overview

The global micronutrient fertilizers market is expected to register substantial growth between 2025 and 2033, driven by increasing soil micronutrient deficiencies, a growing focus on crop nutrition, and the need to boost agricultural productivity in the face of climate change. Valued at approximately USD 6.4 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach USD 13.6 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period.

Micronutrient fertilizers supply essential trace elements such as zinc, boron, iron, and manganese, which are critical for plant metabolic processes and high-yield crop production. With intensifying farming practices and declining soil quality due to overuse of macronutrients, micronutrient supplementation is gaining prominence in modern agriculture.

Farmers across regions are adopting precision farming and integrated nutrient management systems that include micronutrient application. Technological advancements in chelation chemistry and foliar formulations are enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency. Additionally, government subsidies and awareness campaigns are driving demand across emerging markets.

Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities for Micronutrient Fertilizers Market

Rising Soil Micronutrient Deficiencies and Yield Pressures

One of the primary growth drivers is the widespread depletion of micronutrients in arable soils due to intensive agriculture and excessive use of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizers. According to the FAO, over 50% of global soils are deficient in zinc and boron, which are vital for plant growth. This degradation is leading to lower yields and poor crop quality. To counter this, governments and agritech companies are promoting soil testing, site-specific fertilizer application, and micronutrient-enriched inputs. In countries like India and China, large-scale micronutrient deficiency mapping and subsidy support are propelling adoption. Moreover, export-oriented food supply chains are driving the need for micronutrient-balanced produce that meets international standards.

Expansion of Precision Agriculture and Fertigation Systems

Precision agriculture is revolutionizing fertilizer application, allowing for customized and efficient nutrient delivery. Farmers are using remote sensing, drones, and GIS tools to monitor crop health and administer micronutrients based on real-time data. Fertigation—applying nutrients through irrigation—is emerging as a key method, especially in water-scarce regions. Fertigation enables uniform distribution and better absorption of micronutrients like iron and manganese, boosting plant health and reducing losses. The growth of micro-irrigation systems, particularly in APAC and Latin America, is amplifying demand for water-soluble micronutrient blends. Innovation in smart formulations that prevent leaching and improve bioavailability presents significant growth potential.

Opportunity: Bioavailable Chelated Micronutrients and Organic Agriculture

Chelated micronutrients are gaining popularity due to their higher solubility and better plant uptake, especially in alkaline soils. EDTA, EDDHA, and DTPA-based chelates are becoming mainstream in high-value horticulture. Companies are investing in next-gen formulations with controlled release and biostimulant integration to enhance nutrient use efficiency. Simultaneously, the organic farming sector is fueling demand for naturally derived micronutrient products, such as those based on amino acids, humic acids, and seaweed extracts. These eco-friendly solutions meet the growing consumer preference for residue-free and sustainable food production. Expansion of organic-certified micronutrient lines represents a strategic growth frontier for manufacturers.

Micronutrient Fertilizers Market Scope

Micronutrient Fertilizers Market Report Segmentation Analysis

The global Micronutrient Fertilizers Market industry analysis is segmented by nutrient type, by form, by application, by end-user, and by region.

Zinc Segment Holds the Largest Market Share

By nutrient type, the zinc segment dominates the global micronutrient fertilizers market due to its widespread deficiency in agricultural soils and its critical role in enzyme activation, protein synthesis, and crop resistance. Zinc-enriched fertilizers are particularly vital for rice, maize, and wheat crops in Asia and Africa. Boron and iron follow closely, especially in fruit, vegetable, and oilseed cultivation.

Chelated Form Segment Growing Rapidly

Chelated micronutrient fertilizers are witnessing rapid growth owing to their superior bioavailability and stability in adverse soil conditions. EDTA and EDDHA chelated forms are widely adopted for iron, zinc, and manganese supplementation in high-value crops. These formulations are gaining acceptance in both greenhouse and open-field applications.

Soil Application Remains Dominant; Fertigation on the Rise

Soil application continues to dominate the micronutrient fertilizers market, accounting for the largest share in terms of usage across diverse agricultural regions. This method is particularly preferred for key micronutrients like zinc, boron, and iron, as it is simple to apply, requires no specialized infrastructure, and offers long-lasting nutrient availability. Farmers in developing economies favor soil application due to its lower upfront cost, compatibility with traditional farming practices, and effectiveness in correcting micronutrient deficiencies in wide-acreage crops such as cereals, pulses, and oilseeds.

However, fertigation—the application of micronutrients through irrigation systems—is emerging as a fast-growing application method, particularly in regions adopting advanced irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler systems. Fertigation allows precise and timely delivery of nutrients directly to the root zone, enhancing uptake efficiency and reducing waste. It is especially effective in high-value horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals. As water scarcity issues grow and precision agriculture practices expand, fertigation is increasingly seen as a sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to conventional application methods.

Cereals & Grains Segment Leads the Market

Among crop types, cereals and grains hold the largest market share due to the global significance of staple crops such as wheat, rice, and maize. These crops are often cultivated in nutrient-depleted soils and require supplementation for maximum yield. Fruits and vegetables also represent a fast-growing segment due to the demand for high-quality, nutrient-rich produce.

The following segments are part of an in-depth analysis of the global Micronutrient Fertilizers Market:

Micronutrient Fertilizers Market Share Analysis by Region

Asia Pacific Leads the Global Micronutrient Fertilizers Market

Asia Pacific is expected to remain the largest and fastest-growing regional market, driven by large agricultural land, rising micronutrient deficiencies, and government initiatives promoting balanced fertilizer use. Countries like India, China, and Indonesia are seeing robust demand due to their reliance on intensive farming and food security programs. Government subsidies, integrated nutrient management schemes, and growing awareness among smallholder farmers are propelling adoption. Additionally, expansion of horticulture, floriculture, and organic farming in APAC enhances the growth outlook. Europe and North America follow, with strong demand for chelated and specialty micronutrients in greenhouse and high-value crop segments.

Global Micronutrient Fertilizers Market Recent Developments News:

• In July 2025, Yara International launched a new precision zinc and boron foliar fertilizer designed for high-efficiency absorption in maize and soybean crops in Brazil.
• In March 2025, Coromandel International partnered with a European agri-tech firm to develop chelated micronutrient blends using biodegradable ligands for sustainable farming.
• In December 2024, The Mosaic Company expanded its production capacity for micronutrient-enriched fertilizers at its Florida facility to meet rising demand in North and South America.

The Global Micronutrient Fertilizers Market is dominated by a few large companies, such as

●        Yara International ASA

●        The Mosaic Company

●        Nutrien Ltd.

●        BASF SE

●        Coromandel International

●        Haifa Group

●        ICL Group

●        Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC

●        Valagro S.p.A.

●        Aries Agro Limited

●        Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd.

●        Nufarm Limited

●        AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals

●        Compass Minerals

●        AgroLiquid

●        Other Emerging Players