Sulfur Fertilizers Market by Type, Formulation, Crop, Application Method

List of Tables

[195 Pages Report] The Sulfur Fertilizers Market size was estimated at USD 7.58 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 7.92 billion in 2024, at a CAGR 4.76% to reach USD 10.50 billion by 2030.

Sulfur fertilizers are essential agricultural inputs that provide the necessary sulfur for optimal plant growth and development. Sulfur is a vital macronutrient required by plants, playing a crucial role in indispensable biological processes, including protein synthesis, chlorophyll formation, and the metabolism of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The increasing global population demands higher agricultural production to ensure food security, which drives the need for high-quality fertilizers capable of improving yield per unit area. Agricultural practices have increased awareness of the potential sulfur deficiency in soils worldwide, encouraging the utility of sulfur-based fertilizers. However, fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly crude oil derivatives used in fertilizer production, can negatively impact profit margins for manufacturers. Environmental concerns associated with excessive fertilizer use leading to soil degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution pose challenges to the growth of the sulfur fertilizers market. On the other hand, recent technological advancements have yielded opportunities for innovation in developing novel sulfur fertilizer formulations that offer improved efficiency and ease of use. Precision agriculture provides promising opportunities for integrating advanced tools such as remote sensing devices and geographic information systems (GIS) for targeted and efficient application of sulfur fertilizers.

KEY MARKET STATISTICS
Base Year [2023]	USD 7.58 billion
Estimated Year [2024]	USD 7.92 billion
Forecast Year [2030]	USD 10.50 billion
CAGR (%)	4.76%

Type: Increasing use of liquid sulfur fertilizers by using fertigation systems or foliar sprays

Elemental sulfur is a common form of sulfur fertilizer applied to soil as a direct source of sulfur for plant nutrition. It is available in solid granular or powdered form and requires oxidation by soil microbes to convert into sulfate for plants to uptake. The oxidation rate depends on the soil's pH, temperature, moisture content, and microbial activity. This type of sulfur fertilizer is preferred in alkaline soils with high pH levels since its oxidation process lowers the soil pH and aids in the availability of other nutrients, such as phosphorus. Liquid sulfur fertilizers consist mainly of ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) or potassium thiosulfate (KTS), and they offer rapid conversion to plant-available sulfate ions upon application due to their solubility in water. They can be mixed with other liquid fertilizers such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), or potassium (K) products for simultaneous nutrient delivery to crops. Liquid sulfur fertilizers are preferred for their ease of handling and application, particularly in fertigation systems or foliar sprays. Sulfate fertilizers contain sulfur in the form of sulfate ions that plants can readily uptake. These products are derived from various sources such as ammonium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium sulfate, or magnesium sulfate, and their solubility in water and direct plant availability makes them suitable for immediate crop nutrition requirements.

Formulation: Adoption of dry-formulated sulfur fertilizers to provide stable and slow-release sulfur supply to crops

Dry formulation sulfur fertilizers are available in several forms, including granular, prilled, and powdered products. These formulations are preferred by farmers who require a more stable and slow-release supply of sulfur to their crops. The gradual release of nutrients helps maintain consistent soil fertility throughout the growing season. Some common dry-formulated sulfur fertilizers include ammonium sulfate, elemental sulfur, gypsum, and potassium sulfate. Liquid formulation sulfur fertilizers have gained immense popularity due to ease of application and rapid availability for plant uptake. This type of fertilizer is typically applied using fertigation or foliar spraying techniques, which allow for precise nutrient delivery directly to the root zone or plant foliage. Common liquid-formulated sulfur products include ammonium thiosulfate (ATS), potassium thiosulfate (KTS), and magnesium thiosulfate (MgTS).

Crop: Extensive use of sulfur fertilizers to supply balanced plant nutrition for fruits and vegetables

Sulfur fertilizers are essential for the optimal growth and yield of cereals and grains, as sulfur plays a critical role in synthesizing essential amino acids and proteins. For fruits and vegetables, sulfur is crucial for enhancing flavor, color, and shelf life and providing resistance against pests and diseases. Sulfur fertilizers are typically preferred because they provide additional nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, or potassium alongside sulfur, contributing to balanced plant nutrition for fruits and vegetables. Oilseeds and pulses require sufficient amounts of sulfur for optimal oil content production and higher protein levels in seeds. Some commonly used sulfur fertilizers include ammonium thiosulfate (ATS), gypsum, and granular elemental sulfur. Each crop requires different types of sulfur fertilizers to maximize productivity and efficiency. Cereals and grains prefer nitrogen-rich ammonium sulfate or slow-release elemental sulfur products, fruits and vegetables benefit from multi-nutrient fertilizers, and oilseeds and pulses prioritize improving nutrient absorption by using products that ensure the effective release of sulfur in the soil.

Application Method: Usage of foliar application for rapid absorption of sulfur fertilizers

Band application involves placing sulfur fertilizer in concentrated bands beside or below the seed row during planting. This method is preferred for crops with high sulfur requirements, such as canola and alfalfa. Band application ensures efficient nutrient uptake by concentrating the fertilizer close to the roots, minimizing losses due to leaching or volatilization. The broadcasting method encompasses uniformly spreading sulfur fertilizer over the soil surface before planting or during a growing season. This method is suitable for crops with lower sulfur requirements or where large areas need coverage at a low cost. Fertigation involves combining sulfur fertilizers with irrigation water for simultaneous application through drip or sprinkler systems. This method allows precise control over nutrient distribution while reducing labor costs associated with traditional applications. Foliar application is spraying sulfur fertilizers directly onto plant leaves, allowing rapid absorption and immediate availability to the plant. This method is ideal for correcting sulfur deficiencies during critical growth stages or boosting nutrient levels in crops with low soil sulfur availability. Injection involves placing liquid or anhydrous ammonia-based sulfur fertilizers below the soil surface using specialized equipment. This method minimizes losses due to runoff or volatilization and provides quick access to nutrients for crop roots. The injection is particularly beneficial for high-residue cropping systems such as no-till practices. Seed placement involves incorporating granular or liquid sulfur fertilizers directly into the seed furrow during planting, resulting in close contact between seeds and nutrients for rapid uptake during germination. Sidedressing refers to applying additional sulfur fertilizer alongside growing plants, while topdressing involves broadcasting granular or liquid fertilizer on top of the soil around established plants during a growing season. Both methods deliver nutrients when most needed by crops, reducing nutrient losses due to leaching or volatilization compared to pre-plant applications.

Regional Insights

The sulfur fertilizers market in the Americas has been growing exponentially, driven by increased agricultural production activities, increased awareness about soil health management, and changing farming practices. Large-scale mining operations in the U.S. and Canada have provided ample feedstock for sulfur fertilizer production. Latin American countries are also witnessing growth in demand driven by an expanding agriculture sector; however, they mostly rely on imports from other regions due to limited domestic production capacity. The Asia-Pacific region constitutes a large sulfur fertilizer market due to its vast agricultural landscape dominated by smallholder farmers who practice intensive cropping systems. Countries such as China and India have a high demand for these fertilizers to meet food security objectives amidst growing populations. Asia has an enormous fertilizer production capacity, with numerous manufacturers operating state-of-the-art facilities catering to domestic and international markets. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam are emerging as significant consumers of sulfur fertilizers due to rapid agricultural expansion and increasing emphasis on high-yielding crop varieties that require improved nutrient management strategies. The European sulfur fertilizer market is characterized by matured demand patterns, recently observing a rise from using organic sulfur to support precision farming. The region is home to several established fertilizer companies, catering to worldwide demand for different types of sulfur fertilizers.

FPNV Positioning Matrix

The FPNV Positioning Matrix is pivotal in evaluating the Sulfur Fertilizers Market. It offers a comprehensive assessment of vendors, examining key metrics related to Business Strategy and Product Satisfaction. This in-depth analysis empowers users to make well-informed decisions aligned with their requirements. Based on the evaluation, the vendors are then categorized into four distinct quadrants representing varying levels of success: Forefront (F), Pathfinder (P), Niche (N), or Vital (V).

Market Share Analysis

The Market Share Analysis is a comprehensive tool that provides an insightful and in-depth examination of the current state of vendors in the Sulfur Fertilizers Market. By meticulously comparing and analyzing vendor contributions in terms of overall revenue, customer base, and other key metrics, we can offer companies a greater understanding of their performance and the challenges they face when competing for market share. Additionally, this analysis provides valuable insights into the competitive nature of the sector, including factors such as accumulation, fragmentation dominance, and amalgamation traits observed over the base year period studied. With this expanded level of detail, vendors can make more informed decisions and devise effective strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Key Company Profiles

The report delves into recent significant developments in the Sulfur Fertilizers Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include AGRA GROUP a.s., BASF SE, Bayer AG, CF Industries Holdings, Inc., Compass Minerals International, Inc., Coromandel International Limited, Darling Ingredients Inc., Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation, EuroChem Group AG, FMC Corporation, Growmark, Inc., Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited, Haifa Negev Technologies Ltd., Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, Israel Chemicals Ltd., K+S Aktiengesellschaft, Keg River Chemical Corp., Koch Industries, Inc., Kugler Company, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Montana Sulphur & Chemical Co., Nufarm Ltd., Nutrien Ltd., Perfect Blend, LLC, Sinofert Holding Limited, Sohar Sulphur Fertilizers LLC, Sulvaris Inc., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Sustane Natural Fertilizer, Inc., Tata Chemicals Limited, The Andersons, Inc., The Mosaic Company, Tiger-Sul Products, LLC, Uralchem Group, Vantage Ag, Xiangcheng Jiahe Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Yara International ASA, and Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd.

Market Segmentation & Coverage

This research report categorizes the Sulfur Fertilizers Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets:

Type
- Elemental Sulfur
- Liquid Sulfur
- Sulfate

Formulation
- Dry Formulation
- Liquid Formulation

Crop
- Cereals & Grains
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Oilseeds & Pulses

Application Method
- Band Application
- Broadcasting
- Fertigation
- Foliar Application
- Injection
- Seed Placement
- Sidedress & Topdress

Region
- Americas
  - Argentina
  - Brazil
  - Canada
  - Mexico
  - United States
    - California
    - Florida
    - Illinois
    - Iowa
    - Kansas
    - Louisiana
    - New York
    - North Dakota
    - Ohio
    - Oklahoma
    - Pennsylvania
    - Texas
- Asia-Pacific
  - Australia
  - China
  - India
  - Indonesia
  - Japan
  - Malaysia
  - Philippines
  - Singapore
  - South Korea
  - Taiwan
  - Thailand
  - Vietnam

Europe, Middle East & Africa
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Israel
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Poland
- Qatar
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom

The report offers valuable insights on the following aspects:

1. Market Penetration: It presents comprehensive information on the market provided by key players.

2. Market Development: It delves deep into lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the penetration across mature market segments.

3. Market Diversification: It provides detailed information on new product launches, untapped geographic regions, recent developments, and investments.

4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: It conducts an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certifications, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players.

5. Product Development & Innovation: It offers intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments.

The report addresses key questions such as:

1. What is the market size and forecast of the Sulfur Fertilizers Market?

2. Which products, segments, applications, and areas should one consider investing in over the forecast period in the Sulfur Fertilizers Market?

3. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Sulfur Fertilizers Market?

4. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Sulfur Fertilizers Market?

5. Which modes and strategic moves are suitable for entering the Sulfur Fertilizers Market?

Product Code: MRR-031685195769

1. Preface

1.1. Objectives of the Study
1.2. Market Segmentation & Coverage
1.3. Years Considered for the Study
1.4. Currency & Pricing
1.5. Language
1.6. Stakeholders

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Define: Research Objective
2.2. Determine: Research Design
2.3. Prepare: Research Instrument
2.4. Collect: Data Source
2.5. Analyze: Data Interpretation
2.6. Formulate: Data Verification
2.7. Publish: Research Report
2.8. Repeat: Report Update

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Overview

5. Market Insights

5.1. Market Dynamics
- 5.1.1. Drivers
  - 5.1.1.1. Increasing agricultural production with emphasis on improving crop yield
  - 5.1.1.2. Government initiatives and guidelines promoting balanced and affordable sulfur fertilizer usage
- 5.1.2. Restraints
  - 5.1.2.1. Fluctuating cost of raw material required for production of sulfur fertilizer
- 5.1.3. Opportunities
  - 5.1.3.1. Introduction of advanced quality and high-performing sulfur fertilizers
  - 5.1.3.2. New investments in organic farming and shift to natural sources of sulfur
- 5.1.4. Challenges
  - 5.1.4.1. Concerns associated with excessive use of sulfur fertilizers and acidification of soil
5.2. Market Segmentation Analysis
- 5.2.1. Type: Increasing use of liquid sulfur fertilizers by using fertigation systems or foliar sprays
- 5.2.2. Formulation: Adoption of dry-formulated sulfur fertilizers to provide stable and slow-release sulfur supply to crops
- 5.2.3. Crop: Extensive use of sulfur fertilizers to supply balanced plant nutrition for fruits and vegetables
- 5.2.4. Application Method: Usage of foliar application for rapid absorption of sulfur fertilizers
5.3. Market Trend Analysis
- 5.3.1. Significant sulfur production coupled with well-established regulations governing sulfur fertilizer use in the Americas
- 5.3.2. Highly evolving agricultural landscape creating demand for sulfur fertilizers in Asia-Pacific
- 5.3.3. Modernized agricultural practices across Europe
5.4. Cumulative Impact of High Inflation
5.5. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 5.5.1. Threat of New Entrants
- 5.5.2. Threat of Substitutes
- 5.5.3. Bargaining Power of Customers
- 5.5.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 5.5.5. Industry Rivalry
5.6. Value Chain & Critical Path Analysis
5.7. Regulatory Framework Analysis

6. Sulfur Fertilizers Market, by Type

6.1. Introduction
6.2. Elemental Sulfur
6.3. Liquid Sulfur
6.4. Sulfate

7. Sulfur Fertilizers Market, by Formulation

7.1. Introduction
7.2. Dry Formulation
7.3. Liquid Formulation

8. Sulfur Fertilizers Market, by Crop

8.1. Introduction
8.2. Cereals & Grains
8.3. Fruits & Vegetables
8.4. Oilseeds & Pulses

9. Sulfur Fertilizers Market, by Application Method

9.1. Introduction
9.2. Band Application
9.3. Broadcasting
9.4. Fertigation
9.5. Foliar Application
9.6. Injection
9.7. Seed Placement
9.8. Sidedress & Topdress

10. Americas Sulfur Fertilizers Market

10.1. Introduction
10.2. Argentina
10.3. Brazil
10.4. Canada
10.5. Mexico
10.6. United States

11. Asia-Pacific Sulfur Fertilizers Market

11.1. Introduction
11.2. Australia
11.3. China
11.4. India
11.5. Indonesia
11.6. Japan
11.7. Malaysia
11.8. Philippines
11.9. Singapore
11.10. South Korea
11.11. Taiwan
11.12. Thailand
11.13. Vietnam

12. Europe, Middle East & Africa Sulfur Fertilizers Market

12.1. Introduction
12.2. Denmark
12.3. Egypt
12.4. Finland
12.5. France
12.6. Germany
12.7. Israel
12.8. Italy
12.9. Netherlands
12.10. Nigeria
12.11. Norway
12.12. Poland
12.13. Qatar
12.14. Russia
12.15. Saudi Arabia
12.16. South Africa
12.17. Spain
12.18. Sweden
12.19. Switzerland
12.20. Turkey
12.21. United Arab Emirates
12.22. United Kingdom

13. Competitive Landscape

13.1. Market Share Analysis, 2023
13.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix, 2023
13.3. Competitive Scenario Analysis
- 13.3.1. John Deere and Yara Partner to Increase Fertilization Efficiency
- 13.3.2. Saudi Arabia to Export 100k Tons of Petrochemicals to India
- 13.3.3. Indian Government Launches Urea Gold for Farmers
- 13.3.4. YARA Opens its First Water-Soluble Fertilizer Plant in China
- 13.3.5. Crop Nutrition Provider Lucent Bio Gains Patent Approval for Fertilizer System
- 13.3.6. Syngenta France to Launch New Wheat Fungicide Aquicine Duo in 2024
- 13.3.7. HGS BioScience and Tiger-Sul Strategic Partnership
- 13.3.8. The Andersons Launch New Line of Granular Micronutrients
- 13.3.9. Vantage AG Launches New Liquid Fertilizer Technology
- 13.3.10. Cabinet Approves Nutrient-based Subsidy for P&K Fertilisers for Rabi Season
- 13.3.11. Nouryon to Acquire ADOB Fertilizers
- 13.3.12. HELM AG Forms Joint Venture with the Malaysian/Singaporean SPCI Group by Acquiring 50 Percent Stake in the Group

14. Competitive Portfolio

14.1. Key Company Profiles
14.2. Key Product Portfolio