Agricultural Chelates Market - Forecasts from 2023 to 2028

The agricultural chelates market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.34% from US$865.26 million in 2021 to US$1,421.51 million in 2028

The agricultural chelates market is expected to grow at a steady rate. Agricultural chelates are chemical compounds used in agriculture to improve the availability and uptake of important minerals by plants. They are also known as agricultural chelating agents or agricultural chelation. Chelates are organic compounds that can form stable complexes with metal ions, preventing these ions from precipitating or immobilizing in the soil.

Chelates are largely used in agriculture to increase the availability of micronutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and other trace elements. In agriculture, various types of chelating compounds such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine succinic acid (EDDS), and others are required for plant growth and development.

Market Drivers:

The agricultural chelate industry is poised to grow due to increasing awareness of crop nutrition, sustainable agriculture practices, technological advancements, and the need to address micronutrient deficiencies.

Increasing instances of soil erosion and pollution

Agricultural chelates are driven by the need to improve soil fertility and nutrient management practices. Chelates help address nutrient deficiencies by enhancing the availability and uptake of essential micronutrients. Intensive and continuous farming without proper nutrient management can lead to nutrient depletion in the soil. Further, the use of heavy machinery, livestock trampling, and excessive tillage can lead to soil compaction, affecting soil fertility. Additionally, pollution from industrial activities, improper waste disposal, or the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers has impacted soil fertility in recent years. Hence, increasing instances of soil erosion and pollution have increased the market demand.

Growth in horticulture and vertical farming practices

Rising demand for fresh and healthy produce that is not hampered by weather or supply-chain issues due to the constantly surging population and increased spending to develop vertical farms and greenhouses. This is anticipated to aid market growth as chelates find extensive use in horticultural and floricultural practices, where precise nutrient management is crucial for achieving desired plant quality and yield. They help address specific micronutrient deficiencies and optimize plant nutrition in these intensive cultivation systems.

Market Restraints:

• More expensive compared to traditional fertilizers: Agricultural chelates can be relatively more expensive compared to traditional fertilizers and soil amendments. The cost of chelating agents and their production processes is expected to become a deterrent for some farmers, especially those operating on smaller scales or with limited budgets.
• Lack of knowledge: Many farmers may have limited awareness and understanding of the benefits and proper use of agricultural chelates. Lack of knowledge about their efficacy, application methods, and compatibility with different crops and soil conditions can hinder their adoption and impact market growth.

Vendor analysis

With the right product offerings, market positioning, and strategic partnerships, companies in the agricultural chelate sector can capitalize on market opportunities and drive industry growth. A few examples of significant companies in the agricultural chelates market are listed below:

• BASF SE is a global chemical industry leader, providing agricultural solutions. They sell agricultural chelates under the brand names Nutriphite and Chelal that aid in nutrient availability and uptake in plants.
• Syngenta AG is a worldwide agrochemical firm that offers a wide range of agricultural solutions. They sell agricultural chelates under the trade names Foliar Gold and Trace-Amino in order to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies and increase crop yields.
• Yara International ASA is a Norwegian corporation noted for its crop nutrition and agricultural solutions expertise. Agricultural chelates are part of their micronutrient product line, which includes trademarks such as YaraVita and YaraLiva.
• AkzoNobel N.V. is a multinational manufacturer of specialty chemicals, particularly agricultural chelates. Their chelating compounds, such as those sold under the brand name Dissolvine, aid in the availability of micronutrients and the efficient uptake of nutrients in crops.
• Aries Agro Limited is a micronutrient fertilizer and agricultural chelate company established in India. Under the Aries Chelates trademark, they provide chelated micronutrient formulations to correct nutritional deficits in crops.

By type, Synthetic chelates have a major share

Synthetic chelates have been widely used in agriculture for many years due to their high stability and effectiveness in improving micronutrient availability and affordability. Synthetic chelates are often used in conventional farming systems where the focus is on maximizing crop productivity and addressing micronutrient deficiencies efficiently. However, concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of some synthetic chelates, particularly those containing certain heavy metals, are expected to hinder its market growth.

However, organic chelates, derived from natural sources, have gained popularity in recent years due to the increasing emphasis on organic and sustainable agriculture and are expected to grow at a faster rate. Organic chelates are generally seen as compatible with organic farming practices and meet the requirements of organic certification standards.

Agricultural chelates by type of crops

Agricultural chelates are commonly used in grain and cereal crops such as wheat, rice, corn, barley, oats, and rye, as these crops require specific micronutrients for optimal growth and development. Hence, the grain and cereal crops segment is expected to hold a significant market share.  Further, fruits and vegetables have diverse nutritional needs and are often cultivated in high-value horticultural systems.

Regional Insights

North America, particularly the United States and Canada, has a significant production capacity for agricultural chelates. Several major agricultural chemical companies based in North America have production facilities that manufacture agricultural chelates. The region's advanced agricultural sector and large-scale farming contribute to the sizeable agricultural chelates market. Moreover, the rising number of federal initiatives to promote the adoption of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) practices is driving the growth.

Further, Europe has a well-established agricultural chelate industry, with several manufacturers operating in the region. Countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom have production facilities for agricultural chelates. On the other hand, agriculture chelate market growth has increased significantly in Asia-Pacific in recent years. China and India are the region's largest manufacturers of agricultural chelates, serving both the home market and exporting to other countries. Other important countries in the region, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia, are also contributing to the market growth for agricultural chelates. 

Segmentation:

BY TYPE

• Synthetic
• EDTA
• EDDHA
• DTPA
• IDHA
• Other Synthetic Types
• Organic
• LingoSulphates
• Aminoacids
• Heptagluconates
• Other Organic Types

BY CROP TYPE

• Grains and Cereals
• Pulses and Oilseeds
• Commercial Crops
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Turf and Ornamentals

BY APPLICATION

• Soil
• Foliar
• Fertigation
• Others

BY GEOGRAPHY

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Others
• The Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others