Market Trends of south america fertilizers Industry
The government's initiatives to achieve self-sufficiency have significantly contributed to the increase in the area under field crop cultivation.
- The cultivation area for field crops in South America witnessed a notable rise, surging from 111.6 million ha in 2017 to 126.1 million ha in 2022, marking a 12.8% increase in the total area. This expansion in cultivation is projected to drive up the demand for fertilizers in the region. Field crops dominated the market, accounting for a significant 96.8% share. In 2022, Brazil held the maximum share of the market at 56.9%, with Argentina trailing at 29.3%. Brazil, renowned as the global leader in soy production and exports, saw its soy output reach nearly 135 million tonnes in 2021. Of this, a whopping 105.5 million tonnes, constituting 82%, were exported, with 82% in raw soybean form, 16% as soybean cake, and 2% as soybean oil.
- Soybean, commanding the largest cultivated area in South America, is primarily grown in Brazil (64.4%) and Argentina (26.1%). However, the region is currently grappling with an extended drought, leading to critically low water levels in major rivers. This has severe repercussions, hampering both harvests and the transportation of crucial summer crops, especially soybeans. Consequently, these conditions are amplifying the demand for increased fertilizer application in South America.
- Driven by robust global demand and favorable profitability, soybean cultivation in the Mercosur region witnessed a surge. The surge in soy prices, along with other raw materials, has incentivized producers to invest in new lands and equipment, enabling them to scale up operations and enhance efficiency. As a result, the field crop cultivation area in the region is poised to expand in tandem with the growing domestic and international markets.
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The average rate of primary nutrient application for field crops in South America is about 172.73 kg/hectare
- Over the past two decades, South America has emerged as a key player in field crop production, notably for soybeans, corn, wheat, and maize. This surge in production can be attributed to both expanded cultivation and intensified efforts to boost yields. Notably, countries like Brazil are actively expanding their cultivated areas, indicating a further uptick in crop production and a subsequent surge in fertilizer consumption.
- Nutrients are pivotal for plant health, crop growth, and crop output. Primary nutrients, namely nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, serve as the fundamental building blocks for plant development. Any deficiency in these nutrients can significantly impact both crop yield and quality, underscoring their importance for field crops. In 2022, the average application rate of primary nutrients for field crops in South America stood at 172.7 kg/hectare. Nitrogen topped the list with an application rate of 193.8 kg/hectare, followed by potassium at 181.9 kg/hectare. Phosphorus trailed slightly behind, with an application rate of 142.4 kg/hectare.
- Among the field crops, wheat, rice, and corn/maize are expected to have the highest average nutrient application rate. Specifically, wheat is projected to have an average nutrient application rate of 231 kg/ha, while rice and corn/maize are estimated to have average rates of 156 kg/ha and 149 kg/ha, respectively. Driven by a growing population and subsequent demand for major food crops, South America has witnessed an expansion in harvested areas. This trend points to a significant uptick in primary nutrient usage for field crops in the region in the coming years.
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OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- The shift to field crop cultivation, coupled with Free Trade Agreements, resulted in reduced horticultural crop cultivation in the region
- Onion is applied with a higher quantity of micronutrients compared to other vegetable crops.
- Despite being needed in smaller amounts than primary nutrients, they are important in forming certain amino acids and proteins
- Brazil is the largest contributor to irrigation area, accounting for 44.2% in 2022
- Micronutrient deficiencies are an emerging limiting factor for annual crop production in South America
- In South America, cauliflower has the highest potassium requirement, with an average application rate of 592.6 kg per hectare
- Sulfur deficiencies are common in sandy soils; Brazil's Cerrado (tropical savanna) region has low organic matter content
