Polymer-Coated Urea Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Crop Type (Grains And Cereals, Pulses And Oilseeds, Commercial Crops, Fruits And Vegetables, Turf And Ornamentals), By Type (Biodegradable, Non-biodegradable), By Application (Agriculture, Golf Courses, Lawn And Turf, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2024 To 2029

The polymer-coated urea market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.11% to reach US$2.812 billion by 2029 from US$1.856 billion in 2022.

Polymer-coated urea (PCU) is a nitrogen (N) fertilizer that, when added to the soil, uses temperature-controlled diffusion to regulate N release, match plant demand, and mitigate environmental losses. This is the newest and technically sophisticated technology used in horticultural plant production, and it consists of soluble nutrients coated with polymer. The increasing demand for urea agriculture will improve crop production. Such increasing uses of urea are anticipated to drive the market for polymer-coated urea in the projected period.

Furthermore, PCU provides a controlled-release method that corresponds with the nutritional requirements of cereals and grains, major food crops worldwide. This method reduces nutritional losses from leaching and volatilization—two frequent problems in the production of cereals and grains. Higher yields are the outcome of better crop performance, less adverse environmental effects, and more effective fertilizer usage.

Polymer-Coated Urea Market Drivers:

• The growing prominence of specialty fertilizers in agriculture is anticipated to propel the polymer-coated urea market.

The increasing population and the rising awareness towards the requirement of specific fertilizers for different crops and increasing awareness among farmers about which product to use for the optimal plant produce is driving the polymer-coated urea market. Direct application of urea can be harmful to some plants, such as soybeans; hence, polymer-coated urea proves to be very beneficial in such applications, and the demand for the same is anticipated to increase for such reasons.

Furthermore, the urea subsidy scheme is also expected to help grow the market. For instance, according to the Government of India, CCEA approved the continuation of the urea subsidy scheme that will committee for India rupees 3,68,676.7 subsidy for urea for 3 years from 2022-23 to 2024-25. Hence, with the subsidies in urea, there is expected to be increased production for polymer-based urea in the coming years.

According to the Government of India, indigenous urea production is increasing in the country; in 2014-15, it was 225 LMT, which increased to 250 LMT in 2021-22 and now has reached 284 LMT in 2023. Hence, with the increasing production of urea, there is anticipated to be a boosted production of polymer-based urea as it is an evolved version that is helping the plants to take all the possible advantages of urea. Therefore, the market for polymer-based urea is expected to grow significantly in the projected period.

Polymer-Coated Urea Market Geographical Outlook

• The USA is predicted to witness steady growth in the marketplace. 

Polymer-coated urea is a urea-encapsulated granule that regulates Nitrogen release in plants when added to moist soil via temperature-controlled diffusion. Such fertilizers hold great potential for crop production, especially tomato, and they are also finding applicability in professional turfs and garden lawns. The booming demand for processed tomatoes in the USA has bolstered the overall production output, which is anticipated to drive the use of polymer-coated urea. For instance, according to the USDA’s “Vegetable and Pulses Outlook” report issued in April 2023, tomato production in the country stood at 2,156 million pounds, which is a 1% increase over 2021’s production figure.

Additionally, the US golf industry is growing owing to the growing number of golf participants both on & off the course. For instance, according to the National Golf Foundation, in 2022, 41.1 million Americans aged 6 years above played, whereas the strength of people aged 18 to 34 reached 6.2 million for on-course and 5.8 million for off-source. Such growing participation has bolstered the demand for more golf courses in the United States, which is expected to drive the demand and usage of polymer-coated urea in such applications.

Polymer-Coated Urea Market Players and Products:

• Polyon® Urea- Polyon® urea is a product of Baileys Fertiliser. PCU is a fertilizer coating technology that regulates nitrogen release to meet the long-term feeding needs of turfgrass and ornamentals. The analysis indicates 100% controlled nitrogen release while the application rate for turf response is expected to be 12-16 weeks, with all nitrogen released during this time, leaving no unreleased portions.
• Polymer-Coated Urea (PCU90)- Dickie Direct Fertilizer’s PCU90 is a biodegradable urea granule that prolongs the nitrogen release period, reducing volatilization and leaching losses. It is ideal for situations requiring prolonged nitrogen response and where multiple nitrogen applications are expensive or impractical. PCU90 offers increased nitrogen utilization, reduced nitrogen loss through volatilization, reduced nitrogen loss through runoff and leaching, and an extended nitrogen response over 90 days, eliminating the need for frequent nitrogen applications and side dressings.
• Lebanon Pro 18-0-3 40% PCU 2% Fe Biosolids - Product by Lebanonturf, Lebanon Pro 18-0-3 40% PCU 2% Fe Biosolids is an economical fertilizer designed for residential, commercial, and general turf use. It features 40% PCU (polymer-coated urea) for controlled nitrogen release, mineral fertilizer with immediate plant nutrients, potash muriate for strong cell growth and disease resistance, and 2% Fe for quick greening. This product is ideal for residential, commercial, and general turf use.
• Polymer-coated Urea SMARTGRO® 43-0-0+TE - SMARTGRO® 43-0-0+TE by Smart Fert Sdn Bhd. is a smart-release nitrogen fertilizer that provides a safe and efficient source of nitrogen for plants. It offers a sustained nitrogen supply, reduces plant scorching, and is safe to apply with seeds. It is environmentally friendly, reducing nitrogen loss through leaching, volatilization, and denitrification. The biodegradable polymer coating reduces dosage for optimal results. The single-application method saves labor and transportation costs.

Polymer-Coated Urea Market Key Developments:

• September 2023- Sollio Agriculture inaugurated a new controlled-release fertilizer production plant, CRF Agritech, in St. Thomas, Ontario. Launched in 2021, the plant is the only one in Canada capable of manufacturing controlled-release custom fertilizer formulations using Pursell's unique coating technology. With a $25 million investment, the 25,800 square-foot manufacturing facility produces PurYield and other next-generation controlled-release fertilizers for farmers in Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States. The factory can generate over 100,000 tons of fertilizer annually when operating at full capacity.

 

• September 2022- The federal government approved polymer-coated urea for reimbursement from the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) for its enhanced efficiency fertilizer products.

Market Segmentation:

The polymer-coated urea market is segmented and analyzed as below:

• By Crop Type
  • Grains and Cereals
  • Pusles and Oilseeds
  • Commerical Crops
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Turf and Ornamentals
• By Type
  • Biodegradable
  • Non-Biodegradable
• By Application 
  • Agriculture
  • Golf-Courses
  • Lawn and Turf
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • United Kingdom
    • France
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Others

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Market Overview

1.2. Market Definition

1.3. Scope of the Study

1.4. Market Segmentation

1.5. Currency

1.6. Assumptions

1.7. Base, and Forecast Years Timeline

1.8. Key Benefits for the Stakeholder

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  

2.1. Research Design

2.2. Research Processes

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3.1. Key Findings

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1. Market Drivers

4.2. Market Restraints

4.3. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

4.3.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.3.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers

4.3.3. Threat of New Entrants

4.3.4. Threat of Substitutes

4.3.5. Competitive Rivalry in the Industry

4.4. Industry Value Chain Analysis

4.5. Analyst View

5. POLYMER-COATED UREA MARKET, BY CROP TYPE

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Grain and Cereals 

5.2.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

5.2.2. Growth Prospects

5.2.3. Geographic Lucrativeness

5.3. Pulses and Oilseeds

5.3.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

5.3.2. Growth Prospects

5.3.3. Geographic Lucrativeness

5.4. Commercial Crops

5.4.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

5.4.2. Growth Prospects

5.4.3. Geographic Lucrativeness

5.5. Fruits and Vegetables

5.5.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

5.5.2. Growth Prospects

5.5.3. Geographic Lucrativeness

5.6. Turf and Ornamentals

5.6.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

5.6.2. Growth Prospects

5.6.3. Geographic Lucrativeness

6. POLYMER-COATED UREA MARKET, BY TYPE

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Biodegradable

6.2.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

6.2.2. Growth Prospects

6.2.3. Geographic Lucrativeness

6.3. Non- Biodegradable

6.3.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

6.3.2. Growth Prospects

6.3.3. Geographic Lucrativeness

7. POLYMER-COATED UREA MARKET, BY APPLICATION

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Agriculture

7.2.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

7.2.2. Growth Prospects

7.2.3. Geographic Lucrativeness

7.3. Golf-Courses

7.3.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

7.3.2. Growth Prospects

7.3.3. Geographic Lucrativeness

7.4. Lawn and Turf

7.4.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

7.4.2. Growth Prospects

7.4.3. Geographic Lucrativeness

7.5. Others

7.5.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

7.5.2. Growth Prospects

7.5.3. Geographic Lucrativeness

8. POLYMER-COATED UREA MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHY

8.1. Introduction

8.2. North America

8.2.1. By Crop Type

8.2.2. By Type

8.2.3. By Application

8.2.4. By Country

8.2.4.1. USA

8.2.4.1.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.2.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.2.4.2. Canada

8.2.4.2.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.2.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.2.4.3. Mexico

8.2.4.3.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.2.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.3. South America

8.3.1. By Crop Type

8.3.2. By Type

8.3.3. By Application

8.3.4. By Country 

8.3.4.1. Brazil

8.3.4.1.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.3.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.3.4.2. Argentina

8.3.4.2.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.3.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.3.4.3. Others

8.3.4.3.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.3.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.4. Europe

8.4.1. By Crop Type

8.4.2. By Type

8.4.3. By Application

8.4.4. By Country

8.4.4.1. Germany

8.4.4.1.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.4.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.2. United Kingdom

8.4.4.2.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.4.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.3. France

8.4.4.3.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.4.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.4. Spain

8.4.4.4.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.4.4.4.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.5. Others

8.4.4.5.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.4.4.5.2. Growth Prospects

8.5. Middle East and Africa

8.5.1. By Crop Type

8.5.2. By Type

8.5.3. By Application

8.5.4. By Country

8.5.4.1. Saudi Arabia

8.5.4.1.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.5.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.5.4.2. UAE

8.5.4.2.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.5.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.5.4.3. Israel

8.5.4.3.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.5.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.5.4.4. Others

8.5.4.4.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.5.4.4.2. Growth Prospects

8.6. Asia Pacific

8.6.1. By Crop Type

8.6.2. By Type

8.6.3. By Application

8.6.4. By Country

8.6.4.1. India

8.6.4.1.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.6.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.2. South Korea

8.6.4.2.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.6.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.3. Thailand

8.6.4.3.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.6.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.4. Indonesia

8.6.4.4.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.6.4.4.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.5. Others

8.6.4.5.1. Market Opportunities and Trends

8.6.4.5.2. Growth Prospects

9. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND ANALYSIS

9.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis

9.2. Market Share Analysis

9.3. Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations

9.4. Competitive Dashboard

10. COMPANY PROFILES

10.1. BASF SE

10.2. Haifa Group

10.3. Nutrien Ltd

10.4. J.R.Simplot Company

10.5. DeltaChem GmbH

10.6. Knox Fertilizer Company Inc.

10.7. Compo Expert

10.8. Baileys Fertiliser

10.9. Dickie Direct Fertilizer

10.10. Lebanon Seaboard Corporation

10.11. Smart Fert Sdn Bhd.

BASF SE

Haifa Group

Nutrien Ltd

J.R.Simplot Company

DeltaChem GmbH

Knox Fertilizer Company Inc.

Compo Expert

Baileys Fertiliser

Dickie Direct Fertilizer

Lebanon Seaboard Corporation

Smart Fert Sdn Bhd.