Soil Conditioner Market Outlook:
Soil Conditioner Market size was over USD 7.5 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to cross USD 21.5 billion by the end of 2037, witnessing more than 8.5% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of the soil conditioner is assessed at USD 8.03 billion.
The most significant primary growth driver for the global soil conditioner market is rampant soil deterioration and loss of soil organic matter, compelling large-scale rehabilitation. Strategic use of farm waste in the form of manure and compost has dramatically enhanced soil fertility and environmental health. Various U.S.-based studies have shown that organic fertilizers can increase soil organic carbon by approximately 17.7% and enhance crop yields by around 7.7%, reinforcing the case for sustainable land management. In alignment with this, USDA-supported programs, especially those targeting phosphorus and nitrogen management, have formally integrated soil conditioners into conservation practices. These initiatives are embedded in agricultural legislation aimed at reducing nutrient runoff and improving long-term farm productivity.
Global soil conditioner supply chains rely on crop by-products like composted manure and crop residues, which are commonly recovered from farm or municipal waste streams. Manufacturing operations (i.e., pelletizing and granulation) are becoming more centralized in stand-alone plants operating drum or disc granulators. Constructing manufacturing plant capacity has been facilitated by the integration of soil amendments into fertilizer plants to offer more throughput and product consistency. USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) trade reports show increased organic equivalence arrangements for the exportation of soil amendment between the U.S., Canada, the EU, Japan, and Korea under the National Organic Program. Volza reports show that India exported products of soil conditioners in 625 shipments over the last year, with a 34% year-on-year growth rate for exports, while exports increased at a faster pace compared to imports (73%). Consumer Price Index figures, though released monthly by the BLS, are not independently determined in the instance of soil conditioner products.
Soil Conditioner Market - Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth drivers
- Global push for sustainable agriculture: This strong push toward sustainable agriculture is one major driver for the demand for soil conditioners. The FiBL and IFOAM data reported that over 76 million hectares were farmed worldwide in 2022, marking an increase of 188% from 2000. The CAP is expected to contribute nearly €388 billion toward sustainable agriculture practices, including soil improvement schemes, from 2023 to 2027. The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), in India, is yet another design aiming towards land conversion into organic cultivation. The targeted land is about 2.1 million hectares by 2026. All these programs, combined with the demand for chemical-free veggies and fruits worth USD 136 billion globally in 2023, are quite favorable for the spurt in the volume and usage of organic soil conditioners.
- Climate change and water scarcity: Increasing climatic warming and fluctuating precipitation have accelerated the availability of water, thus pushing the demand for soil conditioners capable of enhancing water retention. According to the UNCCD, drought instances have risen by 28% since 2000, and drought may affect over 76% of the world's population by 2050. Under such circumstances, water-evaporation-preventing hydrogels and polymer conditioners that improve water-use efficiency are proving to be most valuable resources. Additionally, hydrogels are capable of enhancing water-holding capacity in sandy soils by as much as 410%, and plants are able to survive extended droughts. In India alone, over 61% of agricultural land is rain-fed, and therefore, water-saving soil amendments are the hour of need. Such climate-resilient products are not only becoming more acceptable to a wider soil conditioner market in commercial farming, but are also being incorporated in state-funded irrigation and soil conservation programs, making a larger market globally.
1. Price History, Unit Sales Volumes, and Factors Affecting Global Soil Conditioner Market Prices
Global Unit Sales & Producer Price Index (2019–2023)
|
Year |
Global Unit Sales Volume¹ |
U.S. PPI: Fertilizer Materials (Dec, Index) |
U.S. PPI: Fertilizer Manufacturing (Dec, Index) |
|
2019 |
191 Mt² |
235.6 |
224.1 |
|
2020 |
196 Mt |
232.4 |
211.4 |
|
2021 |
206 Mt |
249.8 |
263.7 |
|
2022 |
216 Mt |
299.6 |
355.5 |
|
2023 |
221 Mt |
288.5 |
292.2 |
Regional Price Trends (2019–2023)
|
Region |
2019 Avg Price (USD/t) |
2021 Avg Price |
2022 Peak Price |
2023 Avg Price |
|
North America |
210 |
261 |
336 |
311 |
|
Europe |
220 |
276 |
356 |
321 |
|
Asia |
195 |
241 |
311 |
296 |
Key Price Fluctuation Drivers (2019–2023)
|
Driver |
Year(s) Affected |
Impact on Price Index |
Statistical Evidence |
|
Raw material energy costs |
2021–2022 |
+30–50 pts (index jump) |
U.S. fertilizer PPI rose from 250 → 300 (+20%) |
|
Geopolitical events |
2022 |
+50 pts spike |
Fertilizer PPI surged to an all-time high of 355.4 |
|
Environmental regulation |
2020–2023 |
+10–20 pts steady rise |
U.S. PPI edge from 232 → 292 (+26%) |
2. Strategic Insights and Recommendations for Global Soil Conditioners Demand and Production
Top Global Soil Conditioner Producers Annual Capacity and Utilization Rate
|
Company |
Plant Locations |
Annual Capacity (kt) |
Utilization Rate (%) |
|
BASF SE |
Ludwigshafen (GER), Freeport (USA) |
210 |
86 |
|
Syngenta AG |
Basel (CHE), Kunming (CHN) |
181 |
79 |
|
Dow / Evonik (JV) |
Philadelphia (USA), Marl (GER) |
152 |
83 |
|
UPL Limited |
Pune (IND), Cartagena (COL) |
121 |
75 |
|
Novozymes |
Kalundborg (DEN), Davis (USA) |
110 |
81 |
|
Solvay |
Tavaux (FRA), Incheon (KOR) |
92 |
78 |
|
Akzo Nobel |
Delfzijl (NLD), Zhuhai (CHN) |
86 |
77 |
|
Eastman Chemical |
Kingsport (USA), Suzhou (CHN) |
76 |
73 |
|
BioAg Alliance |
Winnipeg (CAN), Brisbane (AUS) |
61 |
71 |
|
Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL) |
Haifa (ISR), Dead Sea Works (ISR) |
52 |
76 |
Production Volumes Trend (2019–2023)
|
Year |
Global Volume (kt) |
YoY Growth (%) |
|
2019 |
951 |
– |
|
2020 |
1,011 |
+6.4 |
|
2021 |
1,081 |
+6.8 |
|
2022 |
1,166 |
+7.8 |
|
2023 |
1,251 |
+7.4 |
Strategic Insights & Recommendations
|
Area |
Insights |
Recommendations |
|
Capacity Expansion |
Plants in Asia operating at ~80%, rising demand forecasts to exceed current capacity |
Expand existing facilities in India/China; consider new plants in Southeast Asia. |
|
Regional Entry Strategy |
North America & Europe near capacity; Asia still underbuilt |
Prioritize partnerships or JV in APAC; leverage cost-advantage and logistics proximity |
|
Product Investment |
High-demand segments: organic bio-amendments and moisture-retaining hydrogels |
Allocate R&D and capex to bio-based conditioners and hydrogels; pursue co-location with fertilizer plants. |
|
Sustainable Technologies |
Regulations favor compost/organic; carbon-credit schemes are increasing |
Develop certified compost systems; invest in soil-carbon quantification tech |
|
Risks & Mitigation |
Raw materials (manure, polymers) are subject to volatility, regulatory risk in major markets. |
Secure multi-sourcing, strategic reserves; engage in regulation-focused associations |
|
Supply Chain Resilience |
Concentrated capacity in a few locations increases vulnerability |
Diversify manufacturing across regions; build redundant logistics and inventory buffers |
Challenges
- Supply chain fragmentation and raw material volatility: The soil conditioner market relies significantly on organic waste material such as compost, manure, and seaweed extracts, whose supply is unbalanced through seasonality and regional inefficiency in collection. Further, logistics disruption during the COVID-19 period and the ensuing Ukraine conflict led to a shortage and increased transport prices. This disintegrated supply chain inhibits large-scale, homogenous production as well as impinges on price stability. As a result, the sector has higher costs of input, lower incentives for investing in new capacity, and lower margins. All these issues combined restrict scalability and hamper soil conditioner market development in developed economies and emerging economies.
- Regulatory ambiguity and compliance burden: Unstable and changing environmental regulations from country to country, particularly in the EU, U.S., and India, offer global producers compliance challenges. Lack of harmonized certification of bio-based or organic soil conditioners restricts product approval and soil conditioner market access. Moreover, uncertainty about government regulations regarding permitted input sources (e.g., farm versus industrial compost) adds operational uncertainty. Small and medium-sized businesses struggle to cope with testing and documentation needs, as seen through increased operating expenses. Such regulation fragmentation discourages innovation and cross-border commerce, which decelerates the pace of international soil conditioner market development.
Soil Conditioner Market Size and Forecast:
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
8.5% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 7.5 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 21.5 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Soil Conditioner Market Segmentation:
Form Segment Analysis
Granular segment is projected to dominate the soil conditioner market, potentially accounting for around 50% of total revenues. This is due to its advantages in ease of handling, storage, and application, particularly across large-scale agricultural operations. Being granular conditioners for soil, their value is much felt when it comes to slow-release properties that improve soil structure and nutrient retention; this is highly appreciated in commercial farming and smaller-scale agriculture. Large granules minimize run-off and losses during irrigation, thereby making them cost-efficient and effective compared to liquids and powders. Better granulation would give possibilities for tailoring nutrient profiles as well as improving microbial activities. These characteristics favor the usage of granular conditioners in widespread mechanized farming and soil management. Binder pellets, while growing in the soil conditioner market, usually serve niche markets due to handling-related complexities.
Application Segment Analysis
From an agricultural standpoint, this segment is expected to capture approximately 45% of the soil conditioner market revenue by 2037, driven by the growing urgency to improve soil health and enhance crop productivity in response to rising global food demand. Commercial soil conditioners are commonly used to improve water retention, nutrient release, and soil aeration, all of which were considered crucial factors for sustaining productivity on lands with decreasing arability. This segment can also be credited with the presence of strong government subsidies and programs that promote sustainable methods of farming, mainly through the regions of Asia-Pacific and North America. Moreover, precision agriculture practices enhance the targeted application of soil conditioners, thereby ensuring better input efficiency. Although horticulture and residential gardens really do have their importance, these markets are on the smaller side and cater to specialty crops and home use requirements.
Our in-depth analysis of the global soil conditioner market includes the following segments:
|
Segment |
Subsegment |
|
Product type |
|
|
Application |
|
|
Form |
|
Vishnu Nair
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Soil Conditioner Market - Regional Analysis
Asia Pacific Market Insights
Asia Pacific is projected to dominate the world soil conditioner market in 2037 with approximately 40% of the total market share. The growth drivers are rapid population growth, an increase in food demand, and government policies supporting sustainable agriculture. The prominent countries involved are actively investing in initiatives related to soil health and sustainable agricultural inputs. For example, China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) spent more than USD 151 million in 2024 on promoting the practice of sustainable land management and organic soil amendment.
China is expected to hold the largest revenue share of the APAC soil conditioner market for soil conditioners in 2037, at about 22% of the world market. The country has a gigantic agric-based economy in terms of size, a push to limit the use of chemical fertilizer, and regulatory requirements for the environment that are tight on fuel demand. At least 1.6 million farms employed sustainable soil conditioning techniques in 2023, China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment reported. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) also reported a 16% boost in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the agrochemical industry in 2024 after demands for sustainability. Moreover, the China Soil Science Society reported a 21% increase in the use of bio-based soil conditioners in the last five years.
India is expected to hold about 10% of the global soil conditioner market for soil conditioners by 2037. Initiatives such as the Soil Health Management Scheme by the Ministry of Agriculture, with an increased budget of 27% from 2020-2024, are fueling the growth. FICCI had estimated sustainable agri-inputs to contribute more than 36% of India's market by 2030. The Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) also spent USD 91 million in 2024 on research and development on microbial soil conditioners to counter soil erosion. Malaysia's Ministry of Agriculture released a growth in biofertilizer production capacity by 29% during the period of 2018-2024, and South Korea's Ministry of Environment released a growth in green agrochemical technology investment by 24% during the period 2020-2024.
Country-Wise Analysis of the Soil Conditioner Market in APAC
|
Country |
Soil Conditioner Market Insights |
Latest Advancements |
Research & Development |
Funding & Investments |
|
China |
Largest producer & consumer, driven by large-scale agriculture & government sustainability initiatives. |
Development of bio-based and microbial soil conditioners for improved soil health. |
Focus on organic soil conditioners to reduce chemical fertilizer dependency. |
Over USD 150M invested by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) in soil health programs (2024). |
|
Japan |
Leader in high-tech soil conditioners used in precision and controlled environment agriculture (CEA). |
Innovation in microbial and enzyme-based soil conditioners to restore degraded soils. |
AI-enabled soil monitoring integrated with conditioner application. |
USD 90M R&D funding by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) for sustainable soil tech. |
|
India |
Fastest-growing market due to expansion in agriculture & government soil health schemes. |
Introduction of slow-release and moisture-retaining soil conditioners for dry regions. |
CSIR labs focusing on biochar and organic soil amendments. |
USD 120M government budget allocated to Soil Health Management (SHM) schemes (2020-24). |
|
South Korea |
Growing demand from advanced horticulture & landscaping sectors. |
Development of nanotechnology-enhanced soil conditioners for nutrient efficiency. |
Collaboration between industry & government on eco-friendly soil additives. |
USD 25M in government R&D grants for green agriculture projects (2024-26). |
|
Malaysia |
Emerging biofertilizer and soil conditioner manufacturing hub. |
Formulation of pelletized organic conditioners for easy application. |
Research on integrating waste biomass into soil conditioners. |
USD 35M increase in green agriculture funding from the Ministry of Agriculture (2018-23). |
|
Indonesia |
Rising demand is driven by palm oil plantations and commodity crop farming. |
Cost-effective hydrogel-based conditioners to improve water retention in tropical soils. |
University-led projects on natural polymer soil conditioners. |
USD 10M ASEAN development fund support for sustainable agri-inputs. |
|
Vietnam |
Growing market for soil conditioners in specialty crop farming and horticulture. |
Water-based conditioners reduce chemical runoff in sensitive ecosystems. |
Pilot programs on circular economy for agricultural waste reuse. |
USD 8M in joint ventures with European agrochemical firms. |
North America Market Insights
North America leads the overall soil conditioner market revenue, with an expected share of around 22% of the overall revenue until 2037. The United States accounts for the largest revenue, followed by Canada, as a result of sustainable market growth, together with increasing sustainable agriculture practices, increased government policies supporting the recovery of soil, and increasing consumer interest in organic food products. Key drivers are growing concerns about soil erosion, policy from governments, and investment in advanced farming inputs with water-holding capacity and soil fertility. The US Department of Agriculture puts sales of bio-based soil conditioners at a growth rate of 16% per year from 2020 to 2024, thanks to sustainability and farm productivity improvement.
The United States is the top nation in the North American soil conditioner market, estimated to hold around 18% of the world's market share by the year 2037. The country is backed up by an expansive list of government initiatives, such as the USDA's Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which every year disburse over USD 1.3 billion towards sustainable soil management and reduced application of chemical fertilizers. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) also boosts rural water conservation infrastructure further, enhancing the efficiency of moisture-retaining soil conditioners. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) also boosted agricultural R&D spending by 21% from 2021 to 2024 to encourage innovation in bio-based soil conditioners.
Canada is expected to capture a market share of around 4% of the world's soil conditioner market in 2037, following government incentives for green technologies and sustainable agriculture. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) program spent approximately CAD 800 million between 2018 and 2024 on improving soil health and promoting organic soil conditioners. Funding for agricultural innovation rose by 26% between 2020 and 2023, supporting manufacturers in scaling up the production of eco-friendly soil conditioners. The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) provides significant support for sustainable agri-tech innovation aligned with national climate and circular economy goals. Expanding consciousness of soil loss and climate impact fuels the application of high-tech soil conditioners, particularly in horticulture and grain cultivation, supporting future soil conditioner market expansion.
Europe Market Insights
Europe is expected to hold approximately 20% market share by 2037, mainly because of very stringent environmental regulations and government incentives promoting sustainable agriculture. The EU, under its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), provides billions for soil health and organic farming programs aimed at encouraging widespread use of bio-based soil conditioners. Germany, France, and the Netherlands constitute the major players concerning advanced technologies for soil amendments, with heavy R&D spending backing these, alongside growing consumer demand for organic food. Soil degradation and shortage of water call for conditioners to retain moisture, further pushing the demand. Europe's supply chain infrastructure and circular economy principles also support soil conditioner market growth on a global scale, making the region a major player in the development of sustainable soil management.
Europe Soil Conditioner Market Breakdown by Country (2037)
|
Country/Region |
Market Share (2037) |
CAGR (2025–2037) |
Government Initiatives |
Notable Funding / Programs |
|
Germany |
21% |
9–10% |
EU Green Deal; National bioeconomy and sustainable agriculture plans |
€150M Horizon Europe agri-innovation funding (2021-2024); FNR grants |
|
France |
15% |
9–10% |
France Relance for sustainable farming; Organic agriculture support |
€90M Ministry of Agriculture grants; €40B France Relance program |
|
Netherlands |
13% |
8–9% |
Precision agriculture promotion; Circular bioeconomy strategies |
€50M public-private agri-tech partnerships; Smart farming subsidies |
|
Italy |
9% |
7–8% |
Viticulture sustainability programs; Organic fertilizer incentives |
€40M regional EU agricultural development funds |
|
Spain |
8% |
7–8% |
Soil erosion and water conservation policies |
€35M Ministry of Agriculture funding for soil preservation projects |
|
Poland |
5% |
8–9% |
EU Rural Development Programs; Organic transition initiatives |
€25M EU Structural Funds for agriculture |
|
Rest of Europe |
31% |
6–7% |
Various national green agriculture schemes |
Multiple EU cohesion funds and national grants |
Key Soil Conditioner Market Players:
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
The global soil conditioner market is characterized by the presence of diversified multinational companies focused on product innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships to expand their global footprints. Leaders like BASF SE and The Mosaic Company leverage advanced R&D capabilities to develop eco-friendly and bio-based soil conditioners. Regional players such as Coromandel International and UPL Limited are expanding through acquisitions and localized product lines tailored to emerging markets like India. Japanese manufacturers Mitsubishi Chemical and Sumitomo Chemical emphasize technological advancements in organic and specialty conditioners to meet stringent environmental regulations. Collaborations and investments in sustainable agriculture continue to shape competitive dynamics globally.
Here is a list of key players operating in the global soil conditioner market:
|
Company Name |
Country of Origin |
Estimated Market Share |
|
BASF SE |
Germany |
8.6% |
|
The Mosaic Company |
USA |
7.9% |
|
Yara International ASA |
Norway |
7.3% |
|
SQM S.A. |
Chile (operates globally) |
6.6% |
|
Haifa Group |
Israel |
5.2% |
|
Haifa Chemicals Ltd |
Israel |
4.8% |
|
Coromandel International Ltd |
India |
xx% |
|
UPL Limited |
India |
xx% |
|
Koppert Biological Systems |
Netherlands |
xx% |
|
Bio-Green Australia |
Australia |
xx% |
|
LG Chem Ltd |
South Korea |
xx% |
|
Haifa Chemicals |
Israel |
xx% |
|
K+S AG |
Germany |
xx% |
Here are a few areas of focus covered in the competitive landscape of the soil conditioner market:
Recent Developments
- In January 2025, Nutrien Ltd. announced a $250 million global investment to expand production of bio-based soil conditioners across North America and Europe. The initiative focuses on increasing sustainable humic and fulvic acid formulations, aiming to reduce synthetic chemical use by 35% in commercial agriculture by 2030. Nutrien plans to enhance supply chain efficiency and target emerging markets in Latin America and the Asia Pacific for future growth.
- In November 2024, Syngenta AG partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to launch a $150 million sustainable soil health program targeting soil conditioner development in Africa and Southeast Asia. The program supports regenerative farming techniques and the adoption of organic conditioners, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, to improve soil fertility and water retention under climate variability.
- Report ID: 7864
- Published Date: Jul 07, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
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