Market Trends of russia fertilizers Industry
Russia is focusing on increasing field crop production to meet the domestic demand and ensure food security
- Field crops dominate Russia's agricultural landscape, covering 96.5% of its cultivated land. Among these, wheat, corn, soybean, and rye take center stage. Notably, in 2022, Russia witnessed a 7% expansion in its total cultivated area.
- Wheat holds a prominent position in Russia's agricultural sector, occupying 45.4% of the field crop area. Key wheat-growing regions span the North Caucasus, Black Earth, Volga, Ural, and West Siberia. The country observes two wheat-growing seasons: winter and spring. Projections for the marketing year 2022/23 indicate a record-breaking wheat production of 92.0 million metric tons (MMT), marking a 22% surge from the previous year and an 18% leap from the 5-year average. This estimate comprises 68.0 MMT of winter wheat and 24.0 MMT of spring wheat. Furthermore, the projected wheat yield stands at a record 3.17 tons per hectare (t/ha), reflecting a 17% increase from the prior year and a 12% rise from the 5-year average.
- For the marketing year 2022/23, corn production in Russia is anticipated to reach 15.8 million metric tons, marking a 13% increase from the previous month and a 4% rise from the prior year. The projected corn yield stands at a record 6.00 tons per hectare (t/ha), showcasing a 7% increase from the previous month and a 14% surge from the prior year. Russia boasts vast untapped agricultural land, and concerted efforts are underway to cultivate more of it. This push to expand arable land not only amplifies the acreage dedicated to field crops but also underscores the Russian government's commitment to bolstering agricultural production. Through measures like subsidies, grants, and favorable lending conditions, the government incentivizes farmers to expand their crop cultivation.
Nitrogen is a prominent nutrient required for field crops, which is mostly consumed by rapeseed crops in the country
- Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are the primary nutrients crucial for plant growth. Nitrogen and phosphorous are integral to proteins and nucleic acids, key components of plant tissues. Potassium plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of harvested plant products. In 2022, the average application of primary nutrients in field crops stood at 169.6 kg/hectare. Notably, Russia's major field crops encompass wheat, rapeseed, rye, soybean, and corn. The average application rates for nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in these crops were 227.7 kg/hectare, 125.5 kg/hectare, and 155.6 kg/hectare, respectively.
- Out of the primary nutrients, nitrogen takes the lead, with an average application rate of 227.7 kg/hectare in field crops. Nitrogenous fertilizers, when used judiciously, bolster grain quality, expedite shoot growth, and promote robust flower bud formation. Early-stage nitrogen fertilization stimulates tillering and boosts crop yields. Moreover, applying nitrogen during panicle initiation or early booting stages leads to higher grain production and weight per panicle. Rapeseed, known for its oil and protein content, exhibits a pronounced appetite for nitrogen, surpassing other field crops. In Russia, rapeseed is predominantly cultivated for vegetable oil production.
- In 2022, Russia's nutrient consumption was dominated by primary nutrients, accounting for a staggering 91.5% share, translating to a volume consumption of 7.0 million metric tons. This high consumption is attributed to the vast expanse of field crops, covering approximately 90% of the agricultural land, and their substantial nutrient demands. Consequently, the country's focus on bolstering self-sufficiency and reducing import reliance in the field crop sector may fuel the growth of the market.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Russia is aiming to reduce imports and achieve 60.0% self-sufficiency in fruits and vegetables, pushing for more cultivation
- Lower crop yield due to insufficient micronutrient levels in the agricultural soils
- Calcium is the most needed secondary nutrient, which is predominantly consumed by cotton crops
- Russia occupied a major share of the European irrigation area with 21.5% in 2023
- Zinc is the most consumed micronutrient by field crops in Russia at 33.7%
- The majorly required primary nutrient by vegetable crops in the country is nitrogen (386.2 kg/hectare)
- Magnesium is the dominant secondary nutrient in vegetable crops, majorly used by onion crops (64.4 kg/ha)