Top 10 Companies in the Slow Release Fertilizers Industry (2025): Market Leaders Cultivating Global Agriculture

In Business Insights
December 14, 2025


The Global Slow Release Fertilizers Market was valued at USD 2.48 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.67 Billion by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the forecast period (2024–2029). This growth is being driven by increasing global food demand, the need for improved nutrient use efficiency, and the accelerating adoption of sustainable agricultural practices across commercial farming and horticulture sectors.

As the agricultural industry evolves toward precision farming and environmental sustainability, the focus shifts to the key manufacturers and innovators who are driving nutrient efficiency, crop yield optimization, and reduced environmental impact. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Slow Release Fertilizers Industry—a mix of global chemical giants, specialized agribusinesses, and technology pioneers shaping the future of plant nutrition.


🔟 1. Hanfeng

Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Key Offering: Polymer-Coated Urea, Controlled Release Fertilizers

Hanfeng is a leading global producer of slow and controlled-release fertilizers, with a strong presence in the Asian market. The company specializes in polymer-coated urea technology, which provides a consistent nutrient release over an extended period, matching the crop’s growth cycle.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Advanced polymer coating technologies for precise nutrient release

  • Focus on reducing nitrogen leaching and greenhouse gas emissions

  • Strategic partnerships with agricultural distributors worldwide

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


9️⃣ 2. Kingenta

Headquarters: Linshu, Shandong, China
Key Offering: Controlled Release Fertilizers, Stabilized Fertilizers, Water-Soluble Fertilizers

Kingenta is one of China’s largest and most technologically advanced fertilizer companies, with a significant focus on slow and controlled-release products. The company operates extensive R&D facilities and has a broad product portfolio catering to various crops and soil conditions.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Comprehensive CRF product lines for rice, vegetables, and fruit trees

  • Integration of synergists and stabilizers to enhance nutrient efficiency

  • Large-scale production capacity serving domestic and international markets


8️⃣ 3. Stanley Group

Headquarters: Libertyville, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Polyon® Polymer-Coated Fertilizers, Coated Seeds

The Stanley Group is a prominent manufacturer of polymer-coated controlled-release fertilizers under the Polyon® brand. Their technology ensures a predictable nutrient release pattern, making them a preferred choice for professional growers and turf managers.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Patented polymer coating technology for temperature-dependent release

  • Products designed for turf, nursery, and specialty crop applications

  • Commitment to reducing fertilizer runoff and environmental impact


7️⃣ 4. Yara International

Headquarters: Oslo, Norway
Key Offering: YaraMila® EXTRA, NutriScore®-Coated Fertilizers

Yara International, a global leader in crop nutrition, offers a range of slow-release fertilizers designed to improve nutrient efficiency. Their products incorporate advanced coating technologies and nutrient stabilizers to minimize losses and maximize crop uptake.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of precision-coated fertilizers with enhanced efficiency

  • Digital farming tools to optimize fertilizer application timing and rates

  • Sustainability goals focused on reducing the carbon footprint of fertilization

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


6️⃣ 5. ICL Group

Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel
Key Offering: Osmocote® Controlled-Release Fertilizers, Agromaster®

ICL Group is a major global fertilizer specialty company with a strong portfolio of controlled-release fertilizers. Their Osmocote® brand is widely recognized in professional horticulture for its reliable nutrient release patterns and consistent performance.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering resin-coated technology for precise nutrient delivery

  • Focus on sustainable sourcing and production processes

  • R&D investments in next-generation controlled-release technologies


5️⃣ 6. Haifa Group

Headquarters: Haifa, Israel
Key Offering: Multicote® Controlled-Release Fertilizers, Water-Soluble Fertilizers

Haifa Group is a world leader in specialty fertilizers, including their Multicote® line of controlled-release products. The company’s technologies are designed to provide balanced nutrition while minimizing environmental impact through reduced nutrient losses.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Advanced polymer coating systems with customizable release durations

  • Integrated nutrient solutions for fertigation and soil application

  • Global research network focusing on crop-specific nutrient formulations


4️⃣ 7. COMPO EXPERT

Headquarters: Münster, Germany
Key Offering: Basacote® Controlled-Release Fertilizers, Specialty Nutrition

COMPO EXPERT is a leading specialty fertilizer company offering high-quality slow and controlled-release products under the Basacote® brand. Their solutions are tailored for professional horticulture, agriculture, and turf management applications across Europe and globally.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Long-lasting resin-coated fertilizers with precise release characteristics

  • Focus on reducing fertilizer application frequency and environmental footprint

  • Customized formulations for specific crops and growing conditions


3️⃣ 8. The Mosaic Company

Headquarters: Tampa, Florida, USA
Key Offering: MicroEssentials® with Nutrient Maximizers, Aspire® with Boron

The Mosaic Company, one of the world’s leading producers of concentrated phosphate and potash, has developed specialized slow-release fertilizer technologies. Their products incorporate nutrient efficiency enhancers that improve availability and reduce losses.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Proprietary coating technologies to enhance nutrient availability

  • Sustainability commitments to reduce water quality impacts

  • Integrated nutrient management solutions for large-scale agriculture


2️⃣ 9. SCF (Shandong Shikefeng Chemical Group)

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Polymer-Coated Urea, Compound Slow-Release Fertilizers

SCF is a significant Chinese manufacturer specializing in polymer-coated slow-release fertilizers. The company has established itself as a key supplier in both domestic and international markets, with a focus on quality and technological innovation.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Cost-effective polymer coating technologies for broad-acre crops

  • Expansion of production capacity to meet growing market demand

  • Focus on improving nutrient use efficiency in intensive farming systems


1️⃣ 10. CAT (Turkey) Holding Groups

Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey
Key Offering: Specialty Fertilizers, Coated NPK Formulations

CAT Holding Groups is a prominent fertilizer producer in the Middle East and European regions, with growing expertise in slow-release fertilizer technologies. The company serves agricultural markets with tailored nutrient solutions for various crops and soil types.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of region-specific slow-release formulations

  • Strategic positioning to serve European and Middle Eastern markets

  • Investments in coating technologies and nutrient efficiency research

Get Full Report Here: Slow Release Fertilizers Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌱 Outlook: The Future of Slow Release Fertilizers Is Smarter and More Sustainable

The slow release fertilizers market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional fertilizers still dominate volume, the industry is increasingly investing in advanced coating technologies, biodegradable materials, and precision application methods to enhance nutrient efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid adoption of polymer-coated urea and compound fertilizers in Asia-Pacific

  • Increasing regulatory emphasis on reducing nutrient runoff and water pollution

  • Integration of digital agriculture technologies for precision fertilization

  • Growing demand for sustainable farming practices and organic-compatible slow-release options

Get Full Report Here: Slow Release Fertilizers Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential plant nutrition—they’re pioneering the sustainable transformation of global agriculture through innovative nutrient management solutions.