The Global Slow/Controlled Release Fertilizer Market was valued at USD 2.85 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.31 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This strong growth is propelled by the urgent need for enhanced nutrient use efficiency, rising global food demand, stringent environmental regulations limiting nutrient runoff, and the increasing adoption of precision agriculture techniques.

As the agricultural sector pivots towards more sustainable and productive farming practices, the focus intensifies on the key manufacturers developing innovative fertilizer solutions that optimize plant nutrition while minimizing environmental impact. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Slow/Controlled Release Fertilizer Industry—a blend of global chemical giants, specialized agribusinesses, and technology pioneers shaping the future of modern farming.

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🔟 1. ICL Group Ltd.

Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel
Key Offering: Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRF), Specialty Potash, Polysulphate®

ICL is a global leader in specialty minerals and fertilizers, with a robust portfolio of controlled-release products under brands like Agromaster and E-Max. Their advanced polymer-coated and sulfur-coated fertilizers ensure a steady nutrient supply, significantly improving crop yields and resource efficiency.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering environmentally friendly Polysulphate fertilizer

• Commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030

• Investment in R&D for next-generation biodegradable polymer coatings

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Global Slow/Controlled Release Fertilizer Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. Yara International ASA

Headquarters: Oslo, Norway
Key Offering: YaraMila, YaraBela, YaraLiva, YaraVita (including controlled-release variants)

Yara is a premier crop nutrition company and a major player in the controlled-release segment, particularly through its nitrification and urease inhibitors. The company’s digital farming tools help farmers precisely apply these advanced fertilizers for maximum efficacy and minimal waste.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Ambitious goal to reduce absolute CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030

• Leader in producing green ammonia as a clean fertilizer feedstock

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8️⃣ 3. The Mosaic Company

Headquarters: Tampa, Florida, USA
Key Offering: MicroEssentials, Aspire, Pegasus (Potash with controlled-release properties)

As one of the world’s largest producers of concentrated phosphate and potash, Mosaic has a significant stake in the controlled-release market. Their MicroEssentials product line offers superior nutrient synchrony, ensuring sulfur and nitrogen are available to the plant when needed.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on improving nutrient stewardship and reducing waterway eutrophication

• Partnerships with farmers to promote 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place)

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7️⃣ 4. Nutrien Ltd.

Headquarters: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Key Offering: ESN Smart Nitrogen, proprietary blends with enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs)

Nutrien, the world’s largest crop inputs company, is a dominant force through its patented ESN (Environmentally Smart Nitrogen) polymer-coated urea. This product is widely recognized for its reliability in delivering nitrogen over a 50-80 day period, matching crop uptake.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expanding ESN production capacity to meet growing demand for efficient nitrogen use

• Integrated digital agronomy platform providing data-driven fertilizer recommendations

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6️⃣ 5. Haifa Group

Headquarters: Haifa, Israel
Key Offering: Multicote, NutriNet, CoteN (controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizers)

Haifa Group is a specialist in advanced plant nutrition, with a strong focus on controlled-release technologies. Their Multicote range uses a sophisticated polymer coating to provide precise, predetermined nutrient release patterns for diverse crops and climates.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of fertilizers with a reduced carbon footprint

• Promoting fertigation and precision agriculture to optimize water and nutrient use

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5️⃣ 6. COMPO EXPERT GmbH

Headquarters: Münster, Germany
Key Offering: Basacote, Triabon, NutriBio (specialty and controlled-release fertilizers)

COMPO EXPERT is a leading producer of high-quality specialty fertilizers for professional users. Their Basacote line of controlled-release fertilizers is renowned for its quality and reliability in horticulture, forestry, and specialty crops.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on organic and biodegradable coating materials

• Products designed to minimize leaching and volatilization losses

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4️⃣ 7. SQM S.A.

Headquarters: Santiago, Chile
Key Offering: Specialty plant nutrients, potassium nitrate, urea-based controlled-release blends

SQM is a global lithium and specialty chemicals company with a substantial fertilizer division. They provide high-efficiency fertilizers, including slow-release options, derived from their unique caliche ore and salar brine resources.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Committed to sustainable water usage in the Atacama Desert operations

• Development of ultra-low chloride fertilizers for sensitive crops

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3️⃣ 8. Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL) – Specialty Fertilizers

Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel
Key Offering: Controlled-release granules, soluble fertilizers, fulvic acid-based products

ICL’s dedicated specialty fertilizers division focuses on innovative solutions for high-value crops. Their R&D efforts are concentrated on creating nutrient release profiles that are tailored to specific plant growth stages and environmental conditions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Extensive research into nutrient-use-efficiency (NUE) enhancing technologies

• Production of fertilizers from unique, naturally occurring mineral sources

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global Slow/Controlled Release Fertilizer Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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2️⃣ 9. Koch Agronomic Services, LLC

Headquarters: Wichita, Kansas, USA
Key Offering: Agrotain, SuperU, CENTURO (nitrogen management solutions)

A subsidiary of Koch Industries, this company is a world leader in nitrogen efficiency technology. While not a traditional controlled-release manufacturer, their urease and nitrification inhibitors effectively create a slow-release effect by managing nitrogen transformation in the soil.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Technologies that can reduce nitrogen loss by up to 50%

• Helping farmers achieve more with fewer inputs, reducing environmental impact

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1️⃣ 10. JCAM AGRI Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Sustane, Meister controlled-release fertilizers

JCAM AGRI is a prominent Japanese company specializing in polyolefin-coated fertilizers. Their Meister series is highly regarded for its precise temperature-dependent release mechanism, making it ideal for rice cultivation and other staple crops in Asia.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of coated fertilizers that reduce the frequency of application

• Focus on products that prevent nutrient runoff into aquatic ecosystems

Get Full Report Here:
Global Slow/Controlled Release Fertilizer Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Fertilization Is Precise and Sustainable

The slow/controlled release fertilizer market is experiencing a fundamental transformation. While conventional fertilizers still hold the largest volume share, the industry is rapidly innovating with smart nutrient delivery systems, biodegradable coatings, and digitally integrated solutions.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated adoption in Asia-Pacific driven by government subsidies and food security goals

• R&D into bio-based and nano-coatings for enhanced environmental compatibility

• Integration with precision agriculture platforms for variable rate application

• Increasing regulatory pressure on conventional fertilizers boosting demand for EEFs

Get Full Report Here:
Global Slow/Controlled Release Fertilizer Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only nourishing global agriculture—they are pioneering the sustainable intensification of food production for a growing population.