Secondary Macronutrients Market By Nutrient Type (Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur); By Form (Solid, Liquid); By Application (Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses, Fruits and Vegetables, Others); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Secondary Macronutrients Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1%, valued at USD 38.7 billion in 2024, and expected to reach USD 55.3 billion by 2030, according to Strategic Market Research.

 

Secondary macronutrients — primarily calcium, magnesium, and sulfur — are essential plant nutrients required in moderate quantities, positioned between the primary macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients in importance. Their relevance in soil fertility and crop quality is increasing as agriculture faces higher global demand, declining soil health, and stricter regulations on fertilizer applications.

 

Between 2024 and 2030, this market will be strategically important for both developed and emerging economies. Intensive farming practices have depleted soil reserves, making nutrient balancing a priority for maintaining yields. Farmers are now treating these nutrients not as optional supplements but as core inputs for improving crop resilience and quality. For instance, sulfur deficiencies directly lower protein and oil content in oilseeds, while calcium is critical for fruit shelf life, and magnesium plays a central role in photosynthesis.

 

On the regulatory side, multiple governments are pushing balanced fertilization initiatives. India’s sulfur -coated urea programs, Brazil’s expansion of magnesium-rich blends, and the European Union’s sustainable agriculture frameworks are strong examples. At the same time, precision agriculture is accelerating demand for tailored nutrient applications, opening opportunities for specialty blends and digital integration.

 

Stakeholders in this ecosystem include fertilizer manufacturers, farmer cooperatives, public agencies, and investors. Fertilizer companies are introducing crop-specific blends; cooperatives are enabling bulk adoption at farm level; governments are incentivizing soil health programs; and investors are aligning with the long-term trend of food security and sustainable farming.

 

What was once seen mainly as a corrective solution is now shifting into a preventive strategy. Secondary macronutrients are increasingly about protecting productivity, enhancing quality, and ensuring compliance with sustainability requirements in the face of climate variability and rising global food needs.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The secondary macronutrients market can be segmented across four major dimensions: by nutrient type, by form, by application, and by region. Each reflects how farmers and suppliers prioritize soil nutrition, crop productivity, and long-term sustainability.

By Nutrient Type

The market is categorized into calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Among these, sulfur holds a notable share in 2024, driven by its critical role in oilseeds, pulses, and cereals. Deficiency symptoms have become more widespread due to reduced atmospheric sulfur deposition and intensive farming practices. Calcium is gaining adoption in horticulture and fruit crops for improving post-harvest quality, while magnesium demand is rising in high-value crops like coffee, tea, and vegetables. Sulfur is also expected to remain the fastest-growing segment through 2030 due to rising oilseed acreage in Asia and Latin America.

 

By Form

Secondary macronutrients are available in solid and liquid formulations. Solid fertilizers, such as granules and powders, dominate current use because of their cost-effectiveness and compatibility with traditional broadcasting methods. However, liquid forms are gaining traction in precision agriculture and fertigation systems, particularly in developed regions, as they enable uniform distribution and real-time nutrient management.

 

By Application

This segment covers cereals and grains, oilseeds and pulses, fruits and vegetables, and others (including turf and ornamentals). Cereals and grains account for the largest share in 2024, supported by the large-scale cultivation of rice, wheat, and maize. Fruits and vegetables, however, represent the fastest-growing application segment, as export-oriented producers increasingly emphasize calcium and magnesium for yield quality, shelf life, and appearance.

 

By Region

Geographically, the market spans North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, Middle East, and Africa (LAMEA). Asia Pacific leads in volume consumption in 2024, underpinned by large agricultural bases in India and China and government-backed soil health programs. Europe is expected to see steady demand growth driven by sustainability policies, while North America benefits from the rapid adoption of precision farming practices. LAMEA presents untapped potential, with Brazil driving regional growth through demand for balanced nutrient blends in soybean and sugarcane farming.

Scope-wise, the market outlook between 2024 and 2030 shows that while cereals remain the backbone of demand, horticulture and export crops are creating new growth pathways. Vendors are now developing crop-specific nutrient solutions, which is shifting secondary macronutrients from a commodity product into a differentiated, value-added input.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The secondary macronutrients market is evolving beyond commodity fertilizer inputs into a segment shaped by innovation, regulatory shifts, and precision agriculture adoption. From 2024 to 2030, several key trends are expected to define the industry landscape.

Rise of Crop-Specific Blends

Fertilizer manufacturers are moving away from generic formulations toward blends tailored for specific crops and soil conditions. For example, calcium- and magnesium-rich blends are being developed for fruit orchards to improve firmness and post-harvest quality, while sulfur -based inputs are tailored for oilseed crops to enhance oil content. This trend reflects a broader shift from one-size-fits-all fertilizers toward solutions optimized for farmer profitability and consumer quality standards.

 

Integration with Precision Agriculture

Digital farming platforms are creating new demand for liquid and soluble forms of secondary macronutrients. Farmers using drones, soil sensors, and variable-rate technology increasingly require nutrient formulations that can be precisely applied in real time. This shift is most visible in North America and parts of Europe but is also expanding into Asia as smallholder farms adopt low-cost precision tools. The integration of secondary macronutrients into precision systems highlights their growing strategic importance, not just as inputs but as part of data-driven yield optimization.

 

Sustainability and Soil Health Focus

Soil health has become a policy priority, with secondary macronutrients playing a central role in addressing nutrient depletion. Governments are promoting balanced fertilization under sustainability frameworks, while certification bodies in organic and regenerative agriculture are encouraging the use of calcium and sulfur in natural forms like gypsum and elemental sulfur. Farmers are recognizing these inputs not only for yield but also for long-term soil productivity.

 

Advances in Product Formulation

New product forms are entering the market, including water-soluble powders, coated granules, and chelated forms that improve nutrient availability and reduce leaching. Some suppliers are developing slow-release sulfur formulations to match nutrient uptake cycles in crops like maize and soybeans. These innovations help address issues of nutrient efficiency and environmental compliance.

 

Partnerships and R&D Investments

Collaboration between fertilizer producers, agri -tech startups, and research institutions is expanding. For instance, joint programs are being launched to test calcium and magnesium supplementation under stress conditions like drought or high salinity. Such partnerships are not only accelerating innovation but also aligning product development with climate resilience strategies.

In short, the innovation landscape is pushing secondary macronutrients into a more strategic role in global agriculture. The combination of crop-specific formulations, digital integration, and sustainability-driven R&D suggests that what was once a corrective input is steadily becoming a cornerstone of modern nutrient management.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The secondary macronutrients market is moderately consolidated, with a mix of global fertilizer giants and regional specialists shaping its competitive dynamics. Strategies are diverging between high-volume producers of commodity-grade inputs and innovators developing value-added blends and digital-enabled solutions.

Nutrien Ltd.

Nutrien maintains one of the largest fertilizer portfolios globally, with strong supply capabilities in calcium and sulfur -based products. Its strategy is anchored in integrating retail and advisory services, enabling it to bundle secondary macronutrients into broader nutrient management programs. The company also leverages its global distribution network to scale adoption quickly across North America and South America.

 

Yara International

Yara has been pushing sustainability-oriented nutrient solutions, emphasizing balanced fertilization and soil health improvement. The company invests heavily in R&D to create water-soluble formulations and blends optimized for high-value crops. Yara’s partnerships with precision agriculture platforms further differentiate its positioning, especially in Europe and Asia.

 

ICL Group

ICL is known for its specialty fertilizers, including advanced formulations of magnesium and calcium products. Its competitive advantage lies in its vertical integration, securing raw materials and controlling production costs. The company also focuses on horticultural markets, where secondary macronutrients directly influence product quality and export competitiveness.

 

K+S Aktiengesellschaft

K+S leverages its strength in potash and salt mining to supply magnesium- and sulfate -based fertilizers. The company is particularly strong in Europe, where it aligns its product offerings with regulatory requirements for sustainable fertilization. Its strategic focus remains on maintaining reliability of supply while expanding into markets like South America.

 

The Mosaic Company

Mosaic integrates secondary macronutrients into its extensive phosphate and potash product lines. Sulfur -based formulations are a core part of its innovation pipeline, responding to widespread sulfur deficiencies in global soils. The company’s competitive edge lies in blending scale with research partnerships that improve nutrient efficiency.

 

Haifa Chemicals

Haifa focuses on high-quality specialty fertilizers, particularly water-soluble products tailored for fertigation. Its calcium nitrate and magnesium nitrate offerings have made it a preferred supplier in horticulture-intensive markets. Haifa’s differentiation comes from targeting greenhouse and drip irrigation systems where precise nutrient control is critical.

 

Coromandel International

Coromandel, a major player in India, has been scaling secondary macronutrient adoption through government-linked soil health initiatives. Its strength lies in affordability and accessibility, providing sulfur - and calcium-based fertilizers suited to smallholder farmers. The company also benefits from being closely aligned with India’s policy priorities for balanced fertilization.

In benchmarking terms, global players like Nutrien and Yara lead with integrated models and strong international footprints, while companies like Haifa and Coromandel carve niches through specialization or regional focus. Across the board, the competitive edge increasingly comes from offering not just nutrients but holistic solutions — combining product quality, digital services, and compliance with sustainability standards.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The adoption of secondary macronutrients varies widely across regions, shaped by differences in soil health, cropping patterns, regulatory frameworks, and technology adoption. Between 2024 and 2030, regional growth dynamics show clear contrasts between volume-driven markets and innovation-led ones.

North America

In North America, demand is closely tied to precision agriculture practices. Farmers in the United States and Canada are adopting liquid formulations and sulfur -enriched blends to correct nutrient deficiencies in cereal and oilseed production. Government-supported conservation programs that emphasize soil health are also influencing adoption. The market here benefits from strong agri -tech integration, with secondary macronutrients increasingly delivered through variable-rate technologies and fertigation systems.

 

Europe

Europe’s market is shaped by sustainability mandates under the Common Agricultural Policy. Balanced fertilization is not just encouraged but regulated, making calcium and sulfur inputs essential for compliance. Countries like Germany and France lead adoption due to intensive farming and regulatory enforcement, while Southern Europe emphasizes calcium use in fruit and vegetable exports. The region also shows higher uptake of water-soluble and chelated forms, reflecting the demand for environmentally responsible nutrient management.

 

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific accounts for the largest consumption share in 2024, with India and China driving demand. In India, sulfur deficiencies in soils are widespread, and government programs promoting sulfur -coated fertilizers have significantly boosted adoption. China’s modernization of agriculture and rising focus on export-quality produce are increasing demand for calcium and magnesium. Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Vietnam, is seeing growth in secondary macronutrient use in plantation crops like palm oil, coffee, and tea. The region is expected to remain the fastest-growing, supported by population growth and expanding food demand.

 

Latin America

Latin America shows strong adoption potential, with Brazil at the forefront. Soybean, sugarcane, and coffee production all require secondary macronutrients for optimal yields. Brazil’s large-scale farms and investment in balanced nutrition strategies make it a major consumer of sulfur and magnesium fertilizers. Neighboring countries like Argentina and Chile are also emerging as important markets, particularly in fruit exports that depend heavily on calcium for shelf life and quality.

 

Middle East and Africa

This region remains underpenetrated but presents significant long-term opportunities. Soil degradation, salinity, and nutrient imbalance are common issues. Countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are investing in controlled-environment agriculture where water-soluble forms of calcium and magnesium are in demand. In Africa, adoption is still low due to limited affordability and awareness, though pilot programs from NGOs and public-private partnerships are gradually introducing sulfur -based fertilizers to improve staple crop yields.

Overall, the regional outlook highlights a split market: North America and Europe are innovation-led with a focus on sustainability and precision systems, while Asia Pacific and Latin America dominate in volume growth, driven by food security needs and export agriculture. The Middle East and Africa, while slower to adopt, represent the next frontier where accessibility and affordability will determine uptake.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The adoption of secondary macronutrients differs by end-user type, reflecting variations in farm size, technology access, and production goals. From large agribusinesses to smallholders, each group engages with these inputs in distinct ways.

Large-Scale Commercial Farms

Commercial farms, particularly in North America, Brazil, and parts of Europe, are the most advanced users of secondary macronutrients. They integrate these inputs into broader nutrient management programs, often supported by precision farming technologies. For instance, large soybean and maize farms in Brazil apply magnesium and sulfur in tandem with NPK blends to maintain yield consistency across thousands of hectares. Their adoption decisions are data-driven, supported by soil testing, agronomists, and digital tools.

 

Smallholder Farmers

In Asia and Africa, smallholders remain the backbone of food production. Here, adoption is shaped by affordability and government-led awareness programs. India is a case in point: widespread sulfur deficiencies prompted the rollout of sulfur -coated urea, making secondary macronutrients more accessible to millions of small farmers. While uptake can be uneven, subsidies and soil health campaigns are bridging the gap.

 

Horticultural Producers

Fruit and vegetable growers have specific quality-driven motivations. Calcium and magnesium are critical for improving firmness, taste, and shelf life, which directly affect market value. Export-oriented producers, such as apple growers in Europe or citrus farmers in Latin America, are early adopters of calcium nitrate and magnesium sulfate. For these farmers, secondary macronutrients are not just about yield but also about meeting export quality standards.

 

Cooperatives and Farmer Associations

Cooperatives play a pivotal role in scaling adoption, especially in regions with fragmented landholding patterns. By pooling resources, they secure bulk access to specialized formulations and distribute them to members. This model has been successful in parts of Europe and Asia, where cooperatives also provide agronomic training on proper application techniques.

 

Use Case Highlight

A practical example can be seen in India’s soybean belt, where declining soil sulfur levels were limiting protein content in harvests. A regional farmers’ cooperative partnered with a local fertilizer company to distribute sulfur -enriched fertilizers at subsidized rates. Within two crop cycles, farmers reported higher oil and protein levels in soybean yields, which improved both domestic processing value and export competitiveness. This initiative demonstrated how targeted adoption of secondary macronutrients could address soil health issues while directly enhancing farmer income.

In summary, adoption patterns are shaped by the balance between scale, affordability, and market objectives. Large agribusinesses use advanced technologies to maximize efficiency, smallholders rely on government support, horticultural producers focus on quality, and cooperatives enable broader access. Across all groups, secondary macronutrients are transitioning from optional to essential components of modern farming systems.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• Nutrien introduced new sulfur -enriched fertilizer blends in 2023 aimed at improving oilseed and cereal productivity, particularly for North and South American markets.

• Yara International partnered with digital farming startups in Europe in 2024 to integrate real-time soil testing with secondary macronutrient application recommendations.

• ICL Group launched a water-soluble magnesium sulfate formulation in 2023 designed for fertigation systems in horticulture and greenhouse operations.

• The Mosaic Company expanded its sulfur -based product line in 2024, targeting soybean and maize production in Brazil.

• Coromandel International collaborated with India’s government-led soil health program in 2023 to scale the adoption of sulfur -coated fertilizers among smallholder farmers.

 

Opportunities

• Rising demand for balanced fertilization programs in Asia and Latin America, driven by government incentives and large-scale crop production.

• Expansion of horticulture and export-oriented farming, where calcium and magnesium inputs directly enhance produce quality and shelf life.

• Integration of secondary macronutrients with precision agriculture platforms, creating opportunities for specialty liquid and water-soluble formulations.

 

Restraints

• High cost of advanced formulations, such as chelated and water-soluble products, limiting accessibility for smallholder farmers.

• Limited awareness and agronomic training in underdeveloped regions, which slows down adoption despite evident soil deficiencies.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 38.7 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 55.3 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.1% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Nutrient Type, By Form, By Application, By Geography
By Nutrient Type	Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur
By Form	Solid, Liquid
By Application	Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses, Fruits and Vegetables, Others
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, France, UK, China, India, Japan, Brazil, etc.
Market Drivers	- Soil nutrient depletion and crop quality concerns - Government-backed balanced fertilization programs - Rising adoption of precision agriculture systems
Customization Option	Available upon request