Market Trends of united states specialty fertilizer Industry
Soybean and corn are the two largest crops grown in the United States
- The United States witnessed a modest population growth, rising from 335.9 million in 2020 to 338.2 million in the year 2022. Over the past two decades, the nation's farmland area has shrunk by nearly 50 million acres, settling at 893.4 million acres by 2022. This diminishing farmland underscores the urgency to enhance agricultural productivity through Agri inputs. Fertilizers have long been employed to bolster crop yields. In 2022, four key crops, such as corn, cotton, soybean, and wheat, collectively commanded over 65.7% of the principal crop acreage in the United States.
- Soybean and corn reign as the top crops in the United States, with soybean leading the pack in the year 2022, occupying 25.8% of the nation's arable land, followed closely by corn at 25.7%, and wheat at 11.1%. These crops predominantly thrive in the "Corn Belt," encompassing parts of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas. Corn and soybean production dominates this region. Furthermore, the United States emerges as a significant rice exporter, with cultivation concentrated in three Southern regions and one in California, as per the United States Department of Agriculture.
- Manufacturers of farm inputs are actively innovating to aid farmers in precise fertilizer application. This not only curbs cultivation costs but also bolsters efficiency. The US field crop sector holds substantial market potential, and with a surge in government funding and support, it is poised for positive growth in the coming years.
Nitrogen deficiency is one of the most prevalent crop nutrient problems across the cropping areas in the United States
- In the field crop's average primary nutrients (Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus) application rate in the country is about 166.61 kilogram/Hectare. Nitrogen accounts for 45.93 %, Potassium accounts for 28.11 percentage, and phosphorus accounts for 25.96 percentage of total field crops' average primary nutrient application.
- In field crops, Rapeseed/Canola was applied with an average primary nutrient application rate of 284.92 kilogram/Hectare, which is the highest in field crops. In primary nutrients, Nitrogen occupies first place with an average application rate of 229.60 kilogram/Hectare. This is because Nitrogen is required in large amounts for plant metabolism and it is a major component of chlorophyll and amino acids.
- Corn/ Maize is the second largest followed by Rapeseed/ Canola with an average primary nutrient application rate of 245.40 kilogram/ Hectare. Corn accounts for about 31.44 percentage of total field crop production in the United States. The Nitrogen requirement of corn is about 50.06 percentage, phosphorus is 23.77 percentage, and Potash is 26.17 percentage of the total average primary nutrient application.
- The primary nutrients are crucial for plant growth and boost the plant enzyme function, improving plant cell growth and biochemical processes. The deficiency of primary nutrients can affect plant health, growth, and crop production output. The application of primary nutrients in field crops is anticipated to increase to meet the demand by increasing productivity.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- The horticultural crops segment acreage accounted for 2.8% of the overall area in 2022
- Calcium, copper, and boron application has resulted in higher crop yield.
- Secondary macronutrient deficiencies are becoming increasingly important in intensive corn production systems across the United States.
- Expanding irrigation areas under major crops like corn and soybeans may drive the irrigation agriculture in the country
- Micronutrients play pivotal roles in bolstering crops against both biotic and abiotic stresses
- Tomato and Cabbage are the major potash consuming crop
- Magnesium and sulfur were the major secondary macronutrients consumed by vegetable crops.