Over the last two decade it has been realized that the majority of the micronutrient requirements of plants could be supplied by complexes that contain chelated metals. These chelates can be utilized in a wide variety of agricultural crops. Applications vary from fertilizer additives, foliar sprays and fertigation. Chelated micronutrient  are gaining importance day by day and would play a major role in bringing stability and sustainability in the production of fruits & vegetables, food grains, pulses and oilseeds in the coming decade. The important considerations for the use of any of these chelates is the solidity constant and the cost to make a pound of chelated metal such as iron or zinc.

Global Agricultural Chelates Market: Growth Factors

Due to several elements such as low soil organic matter and elevated clay content, micronutrient deficiencies enhance agricultural chelates market growth globally. Micronutrient fertilizers with chelating agents have become progressively more beneficial, as they propose sustainability and solidity in improving the production of various food grains, oilseeds, and pulses. Chelating agents basically are organic molecules can capture or compress certain metal ions, such as Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Cobalt, Zinc, and Manganese.  Zinc deficiency affects several crops, such as maize, rice, and wheat, and is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency, globally. Boron is the second most common deficiency, while iron deficiency is widespread in regions with the Mediterranean climate and calcareous soils. In Europe and Australia, calcium deficiency is comparatively common.

Among various types, IDHA segment is likely to grow at a fastest CAGR over the forecast period

EDTA was the prominent segment accounting for over 50% share of the global agricultural chelates market in 2019. EDTA chelate isolates metal ions, such as calcium ions and ferrous ions, and forms weak bonds with metal nutrients, such as zinc, iron, and copper. The second leading market share was occupied by EDDHHA, registering a CAGR of 6.06% from 2020 to 2026. However, the IDHA product type is anticipated to observe the fastest growth over the forecast period. The segment is likely to grow at a CAGR of 7.93%. IDHA chelates are an environment friendly alternative to conventional complexing agents.  

By Application, foliar segment accounted for the largest market share in 2019

These essential elements are used by plants in very small quantities and they are effectively supplied by complexes containing chelated compounds, which are more stable than the non-chelated metals. EDTA, DTPA, and EDDHA are the most commonly used agricultural chelates. These chelates are applied to crops by various methods such as soil, foliar and fertigation.Foliar spray application dominated the market in 2019. The dominance of the segment is attributed to the fact that this process provides an opportunity to maximize the yield, minimize nutrient losses, and also reduce the environmental pollution.

Europe held the majority of agriculture chelates market share 

In countries such as Spain and the Italy, there has been an increase in area under protected cultivation, including greenhouses, owing to the growing demand from other European countries. The major factors accelerating the growth of this market are the growing demand for food and shrinking farming land, high micronutrient deficiency in the soil, and increased focus on agricultural productivity. As the natural availability of micronutrients in the soil is decreasing, it is paving the way for a higher growth of the market. Increased focus on R&D and support from the government would further support the agricultural chelates market's growth in European region.

The agricultural chelates market shows a mid-level of fragmentation with BASF SE, Yara International and The Dow Chemical Company operating as leading players. Considering the notable spike in the demand for agricultural chelates in the recent years, market players have remained active in development and registration of new chelated products.

The major players operating in the market include BASF SE (Germany), Yara International (Norway),  Syngenta (US), Nufarm Ltd (Australia), Aries Agro Ltd (India), The Andersons, Inc. (US), The Dow Chemical Company (US), Haifa Chemicals Ltd (Israel), ATP nutrition (Canada), Manvert (Spain), Nouryon (Netherlands), BMS-Micronutrients NV (Belgium), Wilbur-Ellis company (US), and Compo Expert GMBH (Germany) among others