Organic fertilizers are made up of a variety of plant-derived materials right from fresh or dried plant material to animal manures and litters to agricultural products. The nutrient content of organic fertilizers differs greatly among source materials, and biodegradable materials make healthier nutrient sources. Compared to chemical fertilizers, nitrogen and phosphorous content are lower in organic fertilizers. Government support along with rise in awareness toward the use of organic fertilizers drive the growth of the global organic fertilizers market. Moreover, the enactment of stringent regulations on the use of synthetic fertilizers boost the growth of the market

Environmental benefits associated with organic fertilizers around the globe driving the market growth

Organic farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions leading to the climate change by maintaining healthy soil that naturally retains photosynthesized carbon dioxide instead of releasing it back into the atmosphere. Moreover, it helps in preventing toxic leakers in groundwater. Up to 40% of the synthetic fertilizers used on conventional farms end up in ground and surface waters, eventually polluting rivers, lakes and oceans. Organic fertilizer has the ability to increase organic content in the soil, enhancing its capacity to retain water and circulate pollutants. Organic fertilizer, therefore, seeks to offer a responsible alternative to chemical fertilizer in the face of ever-growing concerns over climate change and environmental degradation.

Animal based segment dominated the global organic fertilizers market by source in 2019

Animal source organic fertilizers are widely used in the organic agriculture market. This segment is expected to hold noticeable market share in the global organic fertilizer market during the forecast period. In terms of value, the plant source segment is expected to be a very beneficial segment during the forecast period, whereas, in terms of volume, the animal source segment is likely to hold a prominent share in the global organic fertilizer market during the forecast period.

By crop type, cereals & grains segment accounted for the largest market share in 2019

The organic fertilizers find application in cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, fruits & vegetables, turfs, lawns etc.  The growing demand for organic grains, oils, and vegetables is a significant driver for the organic fertilizer market. Cereals are one of the most important staple crops across the globe. Cereals represent the biggest portion of daily calorie intake in developing countries of the Asia, Middle East & Africa, and CIS etc. and hence, the demand for grains will be one of the most critical stimulants for the consumption of the organic fertilizer for cereals and grains segment. 

Europe held the majority of organic fertilizers market share 

In Europe, although the undernourishment is not a main concern, a more sustainable production of food certainly is. Large-scale use of synthetic fertilizers has reduced the fertility of the soil in the European region. Thus, the adoption of organic fertilizers has increased considerably to revitalize the nutrient content of the soil. Currently, Europe is the largest market for organic fertilizers, supported by rising government subsidies to farmers and stringent environmental regulations regarding waste minimization and waste reutilization. Led by export oriented agricultural countries like- Germany, France and the United Kingdom, European organic fertilizer market the market shall grow at a rapid pace over the forecast period of 2020-2026, as the nutrient requirements and active ingredients usage are set to rise. 

The number of farms with organic land is increasing in this region. Spain has seen almost 40% increase in the land of organic are from the 2012 to 2017. Growing need of food safety along with significant government support promotes the use of organic farming supports the growth of the organic fertilizer in this country. The toxicity of synthetic products forms the major challenge for the country, while the benefit of organic fertilizer is commendable, and people are getting aware of it which in turn boost the demand of the organic fertilizers.