Starter Fertilizers Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Nutrient Type (Nitrogen-based Starters {Urea-based, Ammoniacal-Nitrogen, and Controlled-release Nitrogen}, Phosphorus-based Starters {Orthophosphates, Polyphosphates, and Superphosphates}, Potassium-based Starters {Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sulfate, and Potassium Thiosulfate}, and Others), By Form (Dry and Liquid), By Application (In-furrow, Banded Placement, and Others), By Crop (Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global starter fertilizers market size was valued at 9.89 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 10.44 billion in 2025 to USD 15.36 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.67% during the forecast period. North America dominated the starter fertilizers market with a market share of 39.53% in 2024.

Starter fertilizers are nutrient supplements applied near seeds during planting to boost early seedling growth. This chemical solution offers essential nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, which enhance plant health and overall crop yields. These nutrients are easily delivered to the emerging roots through in-furrow and dribble-on row methods. The major purpose of this fertilizer is to promote early development, leading to healthier and consistent growth. They are predominantly utilized in nutrient-poor soils, cold soils, and no-till farming. A few of the key nutrients used in fertilizers include phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, zinc, and sulfur. With respect to consumption, North America and Europe are the leading markets globally. 

The rising incidence of nutrient deficiencies and increasing adoption of precision agriculture are fueling the market’s growth potential. Some of the key market players include ICL, Nutrien Ltd., and The Andersons, Inc.   

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Surging Prevalence of Plant Nutrient Deficiencies Drives the Market’s Growth 

The rising incidence of plant nutrient deficiencies is a pivotal factor supporting the market’s potential. Globally, the prevalence of nutrient deficiencies is at its peak, mainly owing to intensive agricultural practices, which are responsible for depleting soil nutrients at a faster rate. Along with such rigorous agricultural methods, factors such as soil pH, changes in precipitation, and rising atmospheric temperatures also contribute to nutrient deficiencies. In order to curb this scenario, most farmers are relying on starter fertilizers to correct particular deficiencies and support better crop establishment. Moreover, they can be utilized to slow down the early root development and offer precise nutrients. By seeing such advantages, the fertilizer producers are focusing on introducing new starter fertilizers for farmers in both developed/emerging countries to improve crop yields. 

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Cost for Specialized Equipment and Advanced Formulations and Lack of Farmers’ Awareness to Hamper Market Growth

One of the main challenges in the global market is the high price of specialized equipment and advanced formulations. Premium starter fertilizers are majorly composed of eco-friendly blends, which are often high-priced. This factor discourages smallholder farmers, who might choose more economical, traditional, and less targeted fertilizer options. Moreover, the manufacturing of advanced formulations, particularly controlled-release fertilizers, involves costly processes that boost production. As a result, these high production cost fuels the overall price of the end product, further restricting widespread adoption. 

Limited farmers’ awareness is another restraint in the global industry. Globally, most farmers are unaware of the particular benefits, costs, and applications of starter fertilizers. Moreover, in emerging markets, access to effective fertilizer services is limited. Thus, the above-mentioned factors hinder the global starter fertilizers market growth.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Adoption of Advanced Technology in the Fertilizers Market Unlocks Growth Chances

The adoption of modern technologies in the fertilizers sector builds various growth opportunities. To boost the product’s quality, companies should utilize nanotechnology, which improves micronutrient delivery and extends the shelf life of fertilizers. Moreover, firms can use IoT and automation, where sensors are used in the field to collect real-time data on nutrient content, pH, and soil moisture. Additionally, drones and remote sensing devices equipped with multispectral sensors offer valuable insights into nutrient levels and crop health across the field. These advanced techniques allow growers to identify challenges quickly. Besides this, GPS-guided equipment with VRT is also gaining popularity in agriculture, helping maximize yields and productivity while minimizing environmental impact and waste. 

STARTER FERTILIZERS MARKET TRENDS

Increasing Inclination Toward Precision Agriculture is the Current Trend 

The global market is witnessing an evolving and substantial trend toward precision agriculture. In recent years, the use of smart farming has increased, primarily owing to the need for higher crop production and concerns over environmental pollution. This dependency on precision agriculture drives the usage of fertilizers, especially starter fertilizers. Smart farming technologies, such as soil sensors, variable-rate technology, and GPS allow the accurate placement of starter fertilizers. Moreover, the use of fertilizers within precision agriculture promotes early plant growth, especially under wet and cold field conditions. Additionally, this technique enhances crop yield while minimizing costs and labor labor requirements. Besides this, it helps reducing leaching and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. 

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Segmentation Analysis

By Nutrient Type

Phosphorus-based Starters Segment Led the Market Due to Their Advantages

On the basis of nutrient type, the market is segmented into nitrogen-based starters, phosphorus-based starters, potassium-based starters, and others. The phosphorus-based starters dominated the market in 2024. In comparison to potassium or other starter types, phosphorus-based fertilizers are essential for early seedling and root growth and have low mobility in soil. Moreover, various field trials have shown an increase in yield production, which boosts their usage. Additionally, phosphorus liquid fertilizers can be easily applied using modern precision techniques and provide early-stage energy metabolism support. 

The nitrogen-based starters secured second position in the global market. 

By Form 

Dry Segment Dominated the Market Due to Its Easy Usage

Depending on form, the market is segmented into dry and liquid. The dry category led the global market in 2024. The granular/powdered form of fertilizers is cost-effective, especially when purchased in bulk, and requires less repetitive application than liquids. Moreover, these fertilizers are easy to carry, store, and transport, which increases their acceptance among farmers. Additionally, the slow-release properties of the dry form of fertilizers further make them a suitable choice for farmers, propelling the segment’s growth. 

The liquid segment is expected to flourish at a high CAGR of 6.36% during the study period. 

By Application 

Banded Placement Segment Led the Market Due to Its Numerous Advantages

Based on application, the market is trifurcated into in-furrow, banded placement, and others. The banded placement led the global industry in 2024. Compared to other application methods, banded placement improves crop nutrient uptake, particularly in dry/cold soils, and minimizes nutrient loss. Moreover, this method strengthens nutrient use efficiency and reduces the frequent requirement for fertilizers. Additionally, it helps in controlling the attack of weeds and lowers the environmental impact caused by over-application. 

The in-furrow segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.18% during the study period. 

By Crop 

Cereals & Grains Segment Dominated the Market Owing to Their High Demand

On the basis of crop type, the market is segmented into cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, fruits & vegetables, and others. The cereals & grains led the market in 2024. Globally, most cereals & grains are planted early in the season when phosphorus availability is low and soil temperatures are cool. In this scenario, starter fertilizers are placed near the seeds to overcome nutrient limitations. Moreover, cereals have a high demand for phosphorus, especially during root development stages. Additionally, grains are highly susceptible to weed attack, which can be easily reduced by the use of starters. 

The oilseeds and pulses segment secured second position and is anticipated to grow at a high CAGR of 4.69% during the study period. 

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Starter Fertilizers Market Regional Outlook

On the basis of region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. 

North America

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North America dominated the market and held the highest starter fertilizers market share in 2024. In this region, the majority of American farmers depend on fertilizers as a crop management technique to enhance yields, especially for soybeans and corn. Moreover, various nutrient deficiencies in crops can be effectively resolved by starter fertilizers. Additionally, the surging adoption of precision agriculture and modern technologies enhances the market’s growth. In addition, the government policies promoting sustainable agricultural farming further propel the use of starter fertilizers. Among the American countries, the U.S. is the leading consumer in the region, followed by Canada and Mexico. The rising focus on crop nutrition and increasing demand for specialty crops are the main factors fueling the growth of starter fertilizers.

Other regions, such as Europe and the Asia Pacific, are predicted to witness considerable growth in the future. During the forecast period, Europe is predicted to record a growth rate of 4.79%, which is the second highest amongst all the regions. The strong Government support and surging rate of nutrient deficiencies in plants are key factors bolstering the region’s momentum. After Europe, the Asia Pacific region ranked third in the global industry in 2024. The enhanced agricultural productivity and sudden transition to modern farming propel the market’s potential. 

Over the forecast period, South America and the Middle East, and Africa are predicted to witness a moderate growth in the near term. The rising demand for high-value crops and improved awareness of precision agriculture strengthen the region’s growth.  

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Major Industry Player

Active Players are Concentrating on Product Launches to Improve their Market Share

Dominating players in the market include ICL, Nutrient Ltd, The Mosaic Company, and others. All the firms in the market are aiming at new product launches, which can enhance the crop yields. Through such launches, the firms can boost their market share and position in the market. 

 List of Key Starter Fertilizer Companies Profiled:

• ICL (India)
• Coromandel International Limited (India)
• OMEX Group of Companies (U.S.)
• UPL Limited (India)
• Chambal Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (India) 
• Nutrien Ltd. (Canada)
• Loveland Products, Inc. (U.S.)
• The Mosaic Company (U.S.)
• Wilbur-Ellis (U.S.)
• The Andersons, Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• August 2025: Meristem Crop Performance, a U.S.-based direct-to-farm crop input enterprise, introduced its latest product, “Upshift C Plus dry concentrate starter fertilizer,” in the U.S. market. This fertilizer is composed of EDTA chelated zinc and other phenolic acid compounds. 
• September 2022: The Andersons, Inc., an American agribusiness, announced the addition of new power pass technology for liquid starter fertilizers. This technology enhances crop performance and improves stability for particular low-salt starter fertilizers.

REPORT COVERAGES 

The market report includes quantitative and qualitative insights into the market. It also offers a detailed global starter fertilizers market analysis of sizing and growth rate for all possible market segments. Various key insights presented in the market research report are an overview of related markets, competitive landscape, recent industry developments such as mergers & acquisitions, the regulatory scenario in critical countries, and global starter fertilizers market trends. 

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Report Scope & Segmentation