Top 10 Companies in the Slow Release NPK Fertilizer Industry (2025): Market Leaders Driving Sustainable Crop Nutrition

In Business Insights
September 24, 2025

The Global Slow Release NPK Fertilizer Market was valued at US$ 2.45 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 4.12 Billion by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.6% during the forecast period (2023–2029). This growth is fueled by rising demand for precision agriculture, stringent environmental regulations on nutrient runoff, and the push for sustainable farming practices that minimize waste and maximize crop yields in both developed and emerging markets.

The USA market for Global Slow Release NPK Fertilizer is estimated to increase from USD 0.65 Billion in 2023 to reach USD 1.12 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period of 2023 through 2030.

The China market for Global Slow Release NPK Fertilizer is estimated to increase from USD 0.78 Billion in 2023 to reach USD 1.45 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period of 2023 through 2030.

The Europe market for Global Slow Release NPK Fertilizer is estimated to increase from USD 0.52 Billion in 2023 to reach USD 0.88 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period of 2023 through 2030.

As the agriculture sector evolves toward more efficient and eco-friendly nutrient management, the focus shifts to innovative fertilizer producers who are pioneering controlled-release technologies, bio-based coatings, and tailored NPK formulations. These advancements help farmers reduce application frequency, cut costs, and protect soil and water resources from overuse. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Slow Release NPK Fertilizer Industry—a blend of multinational giants, specialized innovators, and regional powerhouses leading the charge in sustainable crop nutrition worldwide.


🔟 1. Shikefeng Chemical

Headquarters: Jinan, Shandong Province, China
Key Offering: Polymer-coated NPK granules, sulfur-coated slow-release fertilizers

Shikefeng Chemical stands out as a major player in Asia’s fertilizer landscape, specializing in advanced coating technologies for slow-release NPK products. The company supplies farmers across China and Southeast Asia with formulations designed for rice, corn, and vegetable crops, emphasizing durability in humid climates. Their products feature proprietary polymer shells that regulate nutrient release for up to 180 days, reducing the need for multiple applications and minimizing environmental impact. With a strong emphasis on R&D, Shikefeng invests heavily in biodegradable coatings to align with global sustainability goals, serving both large-scale agribusinesses and smallholder farmers. Because of their focus on cost-effective solutions, Shikefeng has expanded its market share in emerging economies where resource efficiency is paramount, furthermore integrating nanotechnology to enhance nutrient precision and boost yields while addressing soil degradation.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of eco-friendly, degradable coatings to reduce plastic waste in agriculture

  • Partnerships with local governments for soil health monitoring programs

  • Commitment to carbon-neutral production processes by 2030

Download FREE Sample Report: Slow Release NPK Fertilizer Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Stanley Agriculture Group

Headquarters: Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, China
Key Offering: Resin-coated NPK fertilizers, customized blends for orchards and field crops

Stanley Agriculture Group is renowned for its high-performance slow-release fertilizers tailored to diverse soil types and cropping systems. Operating primarily in China but with growing exports to Europe and Africa, the company produces NPK formulations that release nutrients over 90 to 120 days, ideal for fruit orchards and grain production. Their manufacturing facilities incorporate state-of-the-art extrusion and coating lines, ensuring consistent quality and uniformity in granule size, while blending micronutrients combats deficiencies in nutrient-poor soils. However, fluctuating raw material prices pose challenges, which they mitigate through vertical integration; their products gain traction in precision farming, improving efficiency and lowering environmental footprints.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Promotion of reduced fertilizer use through efficient release mechanisms, cutting nitrogen losses by up to 40%

  • Collaborations with agricultural universities for field trials on water conservation

  • Investment in renewable energy for fertilizer production plants


8️⃣ 3. Central Glass Group

Headquarters: Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
Key Offering: Sulfur-based slow-release NPK, eco-coated variants for greenhouse use

Central Glass Group, a veteran in chemical manufacturing, has carved a niche in Japan’s horticulture and turf sectors with its reliable slow-release NPK fertilizers. Their sulfur-coated products provide steady nutrient supply for up to 100 days, suited for controlled environments like greenhouses, and formulated to withstand variable weather in rice paddies and tea plantations. Emphasizing quality control with rigorous testing for purity, they’ve expanded into organic-compatible coatings to appeal to integrated pest management, reflecting trends in soil health and microbial balance, with a distribution network supporting East Asian exports aligned with sustainability mandates.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Reduction of phosphorus runoff through targeted release technologies

  • Research into bio-based polymers for coating materials

  • Certification under ISO 14001 for environmental management


7️⃣ 4. Anhui MOITH

Headquarters: Hefei, Anhui Province, China
Key Offering: Matrix-based NPK slow-release, customized for high-value crops

Anhui MOITH excels in matrix-encapsulated slow-release NPK fertilizers using biodegradable matrices to release nutrients gradually based on soil conditions, catering to vegetable and fruit growers with 120-150 day availability. Their use of natural polymers from agricultural waste leads in circular economy practices, effective in sandy soils. Growth is driven by partnerships bundling with nutrient-efficient hybrids, helping navigate climate variability for stable yields, while affordability aids mid-sized farms in developing regions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Utilization of agricultural byproducts for coating production to minimize waste

  • Programs to educate farmers on integrated nutrient management

  • Goal to achieve 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from operations by 2025

Download FREE Sample Report: Slow Release NPK Fertilizer Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Kingenta

Headquarters: Tengzhou, Shandong Province, China
Key Offering: Urea-based slow-release NPK, polymer-coated blends

Kingenta is a powerhouse in controlled-release fertilizers, dominating the Chinese market with slow-release NPK products featuring double-coated urea for multi-stage release over 100-200 days in staple crops like wheat and soybeans. Advanced facilities ensure precision, reducing environmental variability, and competitive pricing builds loyalty among cooperatives. Investments in digital tools like soil-test apps bridge traditional and modern farming, addressing over-fertilization for balanced ecosystems.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of low-emission nitrogen formulations to curb volatilization

  • Tree-planting initiatives tied to fertilizer sales for carbon offsetting

  • Adoption of water-efficient manufacturing processes


5️⃣ 6. JCAM Agri

Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Bio-enhanced slow-release NPK, coated for turf and specialty crops

JCAM Agri brings American innovation to slow-release NPK with bio-enhanced formulations incorporating microbes for better uptake, coated with thermoset resins for 90-120 day release in golf courses, lawns, and horticultural crops. Serving North America and expanding to Latin America, trials show 30% yield improvements in tomatoes and peppers; compliance certifications overcome regulatory hurdles, with customized blending fostering partnerships.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Integration of mycorrhizal fungi in products to enhance soil biodiversity

  • Recycling programs for used packaging in agricultural communities

  • Targets for 50% renewable raw materials in coatings by 2030


4️⃣ 7. SQMVITAS

Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Key Offering: Neem-coated NPK slow-release, organic-compatible variants

SQMVITAS leads in eco-friendly fertilizers with neem oil-coated slow-release NPK providing pest control and 120-day release for rice, cotton, and sugarcane in India’s zones. Sustainable neem sourcing ensures biodegradable coatings for organic trends, with domestic strength and exports to South Asia and Africa supporting smallholders. Products address alkalinity for phosphorus availability, and outreach trains on techniques for adoption.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Use of indigenous neem to support local economies and reduce synthetic chemical use

  • Soil testing labs for free farmer consultations

  • Commitment to zero-waste production facilities


3️⃣ 8. Haifa Group

Headquarters: Haifa, Israel
Key Offering: Multicote™ slow-release NPK, controlled-release for protected agriculture

Haifa Group pioneers specialty fertilizers with Multicote™ polymer-coated slow-release NPK adapting to temperature and moisture for up to 180 days in greenhouse fertigation for fruits and ornamentals. Serving 100 countries, their innovation hub advances coating precision to avoid root harm, with tailored arid solutions and AI optimization aiding EU compliance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Water-saving fertigation technologies integrated with slow-release products

  • Global R&D on climate-resilient fertilizers

  • Net-zero emissions roadmap for all operations by 2040

Download FREE Sample Report: Slow Release NPK Fertilizer Market – View in Detailed Research Report


2️⃣ 9. Florikan

Headquarters: Sarasota, Florida, USA
Key Offering: ESA (Encapsulated Slow-Action) NPK, custom-coated for nurseries

Florikan specializes in encapsulated slow-release NPK for nurseries and landscapes using ESA resin technology for 3-18 month nutrition in potted plants and trees. Supplying North America and Europe for uniform growth in ornamentals, products cut labor by reducing top-dressings; third-party audits ensure reliability, with low-phosphate blends addressing algal blooms.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Formulations that cut fertilizer use by 25% in controlled settings

  • Partnerships with conservation groups for wetland protection

  • Shift to solar-powered manufacturing


1️⃣ 10. ICL Group

Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel
Key Offering: Polysulphate-enhanced slow-release NPK, coating technologies for global crops

ICL Group leads as a multinational in specialty fertilizers, with slow-release NPK incorporating Polysulphate for 120-240 day release in potatoes, cereals, and turf via enzyme-responsive coatings. Their R&D innovates bio-stimulants for root development, sustainable mining minimizes disruption, and digital platforms provide customized advice for precision nutrition worldwide.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Comprehensive water stewardship in fertilizer production

  • Global alliances for regenerative agriculture practices

  • Achieving 30% recycled content in products by 2025

Read Full Report: Slow Release NPK Fertilizer Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Slow Release NPK Fertilizer Is Efficient and Eco-Conscious

The slow release NPK fertilizer market is undergoing a dynamic shift. While traditional fertilizers persist due to familiarity, the industry is investing heavily in low-leach, high-efficiency alternatives, advanced coatings, and supply chain optimizations to meet global food demands sustainably.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid expansion of bio-based and polymer coatings in North America, Europe, and Asia

  • Regulatory mandates for reduced nitrogen use and blending with slow-release options by 2030

  • Digital twins and IoT for real-time nutrient monitoring and application

  • Collaborations between fertilizer firms and ag-tech startups for integrated solutions

Read Full Report: Slow Release NPK Fertilizer Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not just supplying essential nutrients—they’re spearheading the sustainable revolution in global agriculture.