Global Foliar Spray Market - 2024 - 2031

Report Overview

Global Foliar Spray Market reached US$ 7.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 11.5 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The foliar spray market is experiencing a surge in demand due to the advantages of foliar application over traditional soil fertilization. Foliar sprays offer efficient nutrient uptake, minimal environmental pollution and reduced nutrient losses, which make them increasingly attractive for modern agriculture. The growing emphasis on sustainable farming practices and the need for enhanced crop productivity drive the adoption of foliar fertilization techniques.

Nanofertilizers, particularly those applied via foliar methods, are at the forefront of current trends. The small particle size allows for controlled release and better nutrient absorption compared to conventional fertilizers. Innovation improves nutrient utilization and mitigates environmental risks associated with traditional fertilizers. Research highlights that nanofertilizers, including those based on zinc, magnesium and chitosan-silica, effectively enhance crop yield and quality, making them a preferred choice for improving agricultural efficiency.

Recent studies underscore the effectiveness of foliar-applied nanofertilizers in combating environmental stresses like drought, salinity and heavy metal toxicity. The advancements are paving the way for the increased adoption of nanofertilizers in foliar applications, as they offer promising solutions for addressing crop yield challenges while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Market Dynamics

Rising Awareness of Sustainable Agriculture

The agriculture industry, vital to global sustenance and land use, is actively advancing sustainability practices to protect the environment. Despite its extensive footprint, farmers are committed to integrating sustainable methods such as crop rotation, soil conservation, precision agriculture and wildlife habitat preservation. The practices enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact and address issues like soil erosion, water conservation and biodiversity loss.

According to the USDA, these efforts have significantly improved agricultural efficiency and contributed to broader economic and environmental benefits. Raising consumer awareness through educational campaigns, transparent labeling and media promotion can further support and amplify these sustainability initiatives, fostering greater trust and innovation in agricultural practices.

In April 2023, BigHaat introduced the incorporation of Trichoderma fungi, particularly Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum, into foliar spray applications is catalyzing growth in the sustainable agriculture sector. The biological control agents enhance plant health by managing foliar pathogens and stimulating growth, thereby reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

Rising Demand for High-Quality Crops

The rising demand for high-quality crops is significantly influencing the foliar spray market by emphasizing the need for advanced nutrient delivery solutions. As agricultural standards tighten, there is a growing need for foliar fertilizers to provide rapid and effective nutrient application, addressing deficiencies and enhancing crop quality at critical growth stages.

Foliar sprays offer a direct and efficient method to improve crop resilience against environmental stresses, optimize resource use and meet market expectations. Innovations in foliar fertilizer formulations and application technologies are driving market growth, aligning with the industry's focus on producing superior crop yields and quality.

Stringent Regulations

Stringent regulations in the foliar spray market impose considerable operational and financial challenges. Compliance with rigorous safety and efficacy standards drives up costs due to extensive testing, approvals and adherence to environmental and health guidelines. Regulations also restrict formulation flexibility, increase market entry barriers and necessitate detailed labeling and documentation.

Foliar fertilizers are regulated under general fertilizer guidelines, which vary significantly between regions such as the European Union (EU) and US. The EU uses Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003 and its subsequent Adaptations to Technical Progress (ATP) to approve fertilizers. The regulations aim to enhance fertilizer effectiveness, purity and standardize products and analytical techniques. However, EU regulations may be overridden by national rules, which can create "legal windows" for products not strictly covered by EU regulations.

Market Segment Analysis

The global foliar spray market is segmented based on type, form, crop type, distribution channel, application method and region.

The Surging Demand For Nitrogenous Fertilizers

The nitrogenous segment is expected to be the dominant segment in type holding an approximate market share of 42% during the forecast period. The rising demand for nitrogenous foliar sprays is driven by their proven effectiveness in enhancing protein content and quality in wheat kernels. Notably, nitrogenous foliar sprays such as urea and other nitrogen forms were found to significantly improve grain protein content by optimizing nitrogen uptake and remobilization during the post-anthesis period.

In July 2024, EnviroKure's new foliar product, PhylloZone, enhances the nitrogenous segment of its offerings by integrating advanced microbial consortia for improved nitrogen fixation. The product incorporates Azospirillum lipoferum, Azospirillum brasilense and Paenibacillus polymyxa to optimize nitrogen availability for plants. PhylloZone, designed to be applied at just 1 gallon per acre, ensures effective nitrogen utilization while maintaining flexibility with other crop inputs.

Market Geographical Share

Rising Demand for Foliar Spray in Asia Pacific

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the dominant region in the global foliar spray market holding an approximate market share of 35% during the forecast period. The demand for foliar spray in the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing significant growth, driven by the region's increasing focus on sustainable agriculture and crop protection solutions. Rising demand is fueled by the need for efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fertilizers and pesticides.

Farmers are increasingly adopting foliar sprays due to their ability to deliver nutrients directly to plants, resulting in quicker absorption and enhanced effectiveness against pests and diseases. In September 2023, Nutrition Technologies developed Vitalis, a 100% natural bioactive spray derived from Black Soldier Fly (BSF) frass. The product is further enhanced with chitin and a microbial inoculant to create an effective plant protection solution.

Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Yara, ICL, EuroChem Group, K+S Aktiengesellschaft, Haifa Negev Technologies LTD, Coromandel International Limited, Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GSFC), Aries Agro Limited, Mosaic and Tribodyn GmbH.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

According to the International Food Policy Research Institute, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has significantly disrupted the global foliar spray market due to its reliance on key fertilizer inputs like nitrogen, potash and phosphate. Russia and Belarus, which collectively accounted for 14% of global urea trade and 41% of potash trade before the war, faced severe export challenges. Sanctions, logistical disruptions and trade route blockages led to sharp increases in fertilizer prices, peaking in 2022.

Although global fertilizer prices have since moderated, they remain high compared to historical levels, exerting continued upward pressure on the cost structure of foliar sprays. Markets heavily reliant on these inputs, especially those with limited access to alternative suppliers, are particularly affected. The sector's vulnerability to further trade and energy shocks remains a concern, emphasizing the need for risk mitigation strategies.

By Type

Nitrogenous

Phosphatic

Potassic

Micronutrients

Others

By Form

Powder

Liquid

Granules

By Crop Type

Horticultural Crops

Field Crops

Turf & Ornamentals

Others

By Distribution Channel

Direct Sales

Retail

Distributors

By Application Method

Ground Application

Aerial Application

By Region

North America

US

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

UK

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

South America

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of South America

Asia-Pacific

China

India

Japan

Australia

Rest of Asia-Pacific

Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

In June 2023, ICL, a global leader in specialty minerals, launched a new range of advanced foliar and fertigation solutions under its Nova brand in North America. The new lineup includes Nova FINISH, Nova PULSE, Nova ELEVATE and Nova FLOW, designed to enhance crop nutrition with high-purity, water-soluble N-P-Ks and micronutrients.

In May 2023, Yara International constructed a new global production facility in Yorkshire, UK, aimed at expanding its specialty crop nutrition and biostimulant output. The plant will significantly increase Yara Vita's production capacity and enhance global export capabilities.

In November 2022, FMC launched Adastrio fungicide for the 2023 crop season, featuring the novel SDHI molecule fluindapyr. The foliar fungicide combines fluindapyr, flutriafol and azoxystrobin to offer comprehensive control of major foliar diseases such as anthracnose leaf blight and gray leaf spot across corn, wheat and other key crops.

Why Purchase the Report?

To visualize the global foliar spray market segmentation based on type, form, crop type, distribution channel, application method and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.

Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.

Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the foliar spray market with all segments.

PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.

Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global foliar spray market report would provide approximately 78 tables, 75 figures and 219 pages.

Target Audience 2024

Manufacturers/ Buyers

Industry Investors/Investment Bankers

Research Professionals

Emerging Companies