This article discusses some of the most important features and trends related to liquid fertilizers. These include easy handling, cost-effectiveness, and storage costs. You can also find the business overviews of some leading companies and a SWOT analysis of their businesses. To understand the future of the liquid fertilizer market, read this article.
High-Analysis Fertilizers
The term “high-analysis” refers to fertilizer containing three or more essential nutrients. These nutrients are typically not available to plants in normal amounts. A good example of a high-analysis fertilizer is 10-10-10, which contains nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash. These three nutrients are crucial to plant growth and are often deficient in plants growing on acidic soils. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome this problem.
One way to avoid a high level of sulfur in your crops is to use potassium sulfate or K2SO4. It is made by treating potassium chloride with sulfuric acid. Although this is more expensive than potassium chloride, it is just as effective for some crops. Potassium sulfate is preferred by some growers with sensitive crops, such as Irish potatoes, which are sensitive to chloride. In the United States, most potassium sulfate is used by tobacco growers.
Easy Handling
It is important to understand the characteristics of liquid fertilizers, just like liquid fertilizers for pastures, before using them. Lack of knowledge of these products can lead to wrong decisions and poor application. The best source of product information is the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). This document will inform you about the safest and most effective way to handle and apply the product. It also details what to do when the product comes into contact with the skin or eyes.
Using the proper equipment is crucial for the easy handling of liquid fertilizers. Ensure containers are stored properly, and all labels are visible. Avoid placing fertilizer containers on the floor. Always keep containers upright. Also, store them in aisles wide enough for workers to reach them easily.
Cost-Effectiveness
The global market for liquid fertilizers is growing at a fast pace. Several factors propel the demand for these products, including their high efficiency, ease of use, and safety and environmental benefits. In addition, increasing food security concerns and the growing population of emerging nations also drive the demand for liquid fertilizers.
Liquid fertilizers are generally priced on a per-pound basis, much like dry fertilizer materials. Zinc chelate, for example, costs $6 per gallon based on its density of 11.2 pounds per gallon. However, this cost is often not meaningful compared to the total cost of inputs.
The market for liquid fertilizers is expected to grow faster than for dry fertilizers. It is predicted to grow by 3.4% between June 2020 and 2026.
Storage Costs
Storage costs of liquid fertilizers can be high, especially for large quantities. Many factors must be considered when storing fertilizer, including temperature, climate, and the duration of storage. The longer a fertilizer is stored, the greater the risk it will degrade and release toxic components. In addition, higher temperatures can damage the consistency of the product. Therefore, it is necessary to store mineral fertilizers in a cool place.
Proper ventilation, access to water, and temperature control are among the important considerations when constructing a liquid fertilizer storage facility. Moreover, worker safety is essential. Though it may be expensive, modifications to an existing facility can help minimize the risk of accidents. Secondary containment is also important if there is a spill of liquid fertilizer.
Regional Market Share
The growing population and a need for food security have led to increased demand for liquid fertilizers. In addition, growing demand is expected in emerging economies and from climate change that affects the growth of crops. These trends are driving the market for high-quality fluid fertilizers. Global demand for liquid fertilizers is expected to grow significantly over the next few years.
The global liquid fertilizer market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Regarding volume, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest market share in 2021.
