The global market for Humic Acid is expected to grow between 2023 and 2032, due to factors like the rise in the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers, and huge demand from the agriculture sector.
The Global Humic Acid Market was valued at USD 0.61 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 1.42 Billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 11.84% for the forecast period 2023-2032.
Global Humic Acid Market Drivers
- Rise in the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers: Growing public awareness of the negative effects of chemical fertilizers and other synthetic agrochemicals is expected to have a significant impact on the growth of the humic acid market, especially in developed countries in Europe and North America. Excessive use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture results in their leakage into groundwater and incomplete absorption by plants.
- Huge demand from the agriculture sector: The need for agricultural products for food, feed, and industrial uses would only increase due to the world's expanding population. Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa would account for a large portion of the additional food demand that will arise over the next ten years.
- Soil Remediation and Environmental Applications: Heavy metals have a strong affinity for humic acid. Humic acid functions as a chelating agent in contaminated soils, binding with heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury. By improving soil nutrient retention, humic acid increases plant nutrient availability. Humic acid encourages soil particle aggregation, which enhances soil structure. This lessens soil erosion and increases water retention capacity.
- Increased Research and Development: New applications of humic acid are developed as a result of R&D activities. Research aids in the deciphering of the intricate ways that humic acid functions in soil and plants. A more focused and efficient application of humic acid in agriculture is made possible by knowledge of how it interacts with various components of the soil, affects nutrient availability, and improves plant responses. Businesses spend money on R&D to set themselves apart from competitors' products.
- Government and regulations: Governments can encourage farmers to use organic farming methods by providing incentives, subsidies, or certification programs. Governments have the authority to allot funds for agricultural research and development, including investigations into sustainable farming methods and the enhancement of soil health. Humic acid may be used in a variety of applications due to regulations aimed at environmental protection and conservation.
- The Andersons, INC. has purchased bridge Agri Partners INC. (2022)
- Black Earth announces the official acquisition of Canadian Humalite International (2020)
- Partnership Between Gites Gmbh and Denkavit (2023)
- Grupa Azoty launches humic acid unit (2021)
- AECOM signs strategic partnership agreement with the Royal Commission for AlUla (2021)
Challenges Impacting the Global Humic Acid Market
- Limited understanding and awareness: Farmers may continue using traditional methods due to a lack of confidence in the efficacy of humic acid as a result of limited knowledge. A lack of educational programs for agronomists, farmers, and other stakeholders may be a factor in the general ignorance of these groups regarding the functions of humic acid and their integration into current agricultural practices.
- Variable product quality: It can be challenging for users to forecast and attain consistent results in terms of soil improvement and plant growth when there is inconsistent product quality, as this can lead to differing performance levels. Variable product quality makes consumers hesitant to purchase or keep using humic acid because it casts doubt on how consistently the product will work. Unpredictable outcomes in terms of nutrient availability to plants can arise from inconsistent nutrient content, which could impact the product's overall efficacy.
- Lack of standardization: Inconsistent product performance could arise from a lack of quality assurance procedures and standardized testing. When choosing humic acid products, farmers and other agricultural professionals may become confused due to a lack of standardization. An industry-wide framework for transparency is provided by standardization. Lack of standardization in production techniques, product composition, and other important data could lead to a lack of transparency.
- Research and Development challenges: For humic acid research to be consistent and trustworthy, standardization is essential. The absence of established techniques could present difficulties for scientists, impeding their attempts to develop a thorough knowledge of the characteristics and uses of humic acid.
Attributes | Details |
Market Size in 2022 | USD 0.61 Billion |
Market Forecast in 2032 | USD 3.42 Billion |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 11.84 % |
Unit | Revenue (USD Million) and Volume (Kilo Tons) |
Segmentation | By Form, By Grade, By Application, By Distribution Channel & By Region |
By Form |
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By Grade |
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By Application |
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By Distribution Channel |
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By Region |
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Base Year | 2022 |
Historical Year | 2018 - 2022 |
Forecast Year | 2023 - 2032 |
Category-wise Analysis:
By Form:
- Powder: Humic acid is frequently utilized in horticulture, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture in the powdered form. Among the various forms of humic acid, powdered humic acid is one of the most commonly utilized. At present, the market share of humic acid in powder form is slightly less than 70%. The market is expected to be driven by the expanding uses of powdered form in horticulture, agriculture, and pharmaceutical applications.
- Granular: Humic acid enhances soil organisms' ability to absorb water and oxygen, which helps to promote seed germination. It protects the soil from harmful pollutants and balances the agricultural cycle.
- Liquid: Because liquid humic acid products are so simple to use, they are frequently recommended. They are simple to combine with water and apply via foliar spraying, soil soaking, or irrigation systems. Products containing liquid humic acid enable more even dispersal throughout the soil or plant surfaces.
- Technical Grade: The grade-based classification of the global humic acid market draws attention to the variety of uses and degrees of purity of humic acid. In agriculture, the Technical Grade is mainly utilized to improve soil quality and increase crop yields. Higher purity food grade humic acid is considered safe to eat and is used in some food products and dietary supplements.
- Food Grade: There are several uses for humic acid in the food industry after it is refined to food-grade standards. With its natural origin and possible health benefits, it can be used as a food supplement, preservative, or enhancer. It might include trace minerals and organic compounds that are thought to be good for human health. The need for food-grade humic acid may be influenced by the trend toward functional foods and drinks that provide extra health advantages over basic diet.
- Biotech Grade: Biotech Grade is carefully honed to fulfill the requirements of biotechnological applications, playing vital roles in medicine and research. Other grades are also offered that are customized to meet particular industrial requirements, demonstrating the applicability of humic acid in a variety of industries.
- Agriculture: In agriculture, humic acid is frequently used to enhance soil properties, microbial growth, water-holding capacity, and nutrient uptake. Additionally, it helps to eliminate pollutants. There are several chemical, biological, and physical advantages to humic acid. Cation-exchange capacity (CEC) and oxygen content are increased by humic acid. The improved plant growth and soil fertility are a result of the higher average water retention capacity.
- Animal Feed: Humic acid has the potential to function as a feed supplement in animal feed, improving the feed's nutritional content and encouraging improved livestock health and growth. It might support the preservation of a balanced microbial community in animals' digestive systems, which could enhance nutrient absorption, digestion, and general gastrointestinal health.
- Pharmaceuticals: Examine press releases or announcements from businesses producing or conducting research on humic acid. Businesses may reveal fresh initiatives or partnerships with the pharmaceutical sector. Participate in pharmaceutical conferences and events or read the proceedings. These events frequently include presentations on cutting-edge materials and technologies, giving academics and businesses a forum to disseminate their findings.
- Horticulture: Fertility and soil structure are enhanced by humic acid. The application of humic acid aids in establishing a favorable environment for root development, nutrient absorption, and general plant health in horticulture, where soil quality has a direct impact on plant growth. As a naturally occurring chelating agent, humic acid improves the availability and uptake of vital nutrients by plants.
Regional Analysis:
North America:
- United States: The agricultural industry in the United States is vast and varied, with an emphasis on raising crop yield and quality. Persistent investigation and advancement within the agribusiness domain may yield novel uses or combinations of humic acid, thereby augmenting its market portion. Its market share may be positively impacted by laws or policies that encourage the use of sustainable and organic farming methods, including the use of humic acid as a soil conditioner.
- Canada: Humic acid's acceptance as a natural soil conditioner and bio stimulant may be aided by Canada's thriving agricultural industry, which is distinguished by an emphasis on sustainability and organic farming methods. Humic acid's ability to improve soil health, nutrient efficiency, and water retention is in line with the country's commitment to environmental conservation. The use of humic acid may be further promoted by government initiatives that are supportive of the sector and by ongoing research and innovation in the agricultural sector.
- China: China has a well-established and sizable humic acid production industry that serves the country's extensive domestic agriculture sector. Undoubtedly, having such a large production capacity helps to achieve a substantial market share. The nation's emphasis on boosting agricultural yields and ensuring food security is what fuels the demand for humic acid as a natural soil conditioner and crop performance booster.
- India: The Indian government actively supports improved soil health and sustainable farming methods. This results in programs and subsidies that encourage the use of humic acid, increasing its uptake throughout the nation. Farmers and other agricultural stakeholders are beginning to accept and use humic acid more widely as a result of increased scientific research and educational initiatives that are bringing attention to the substance's advantages.
- Southeast Asia: This rapidly expanding region has colorful agricultural landscapes and depends largely on healthy soil for both economic growth and food security. Southeast Asian farmers find humic acid to be a useful tool due to its capacity to enhance crop yields, soil quality, and nutrient availability. In nations like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, humic acid is becoming more widely used in a variety of agricultural practices as a result of increased research and educational initiatives that highlight the substance's advantages.
- Western Europe: The agricultural economies of Western Europe are highly developed, and nations like France, Germany, and Spain are renowned for their intensive farming methods. Due to their ability to increase soil fertility, crop yields, and water retention, soil amendments such as humic acid are in high demand. Innovation and the uptake of cutting-edge humic acid products are encouraged in Western Europe by a strong infrastructure and a well-established research and development environment.
- Eastern Europe: The benefits of humic acid are perfectly aligned with the region's strong agricultural sector and growing emphasis on sustainable practices. Producers in Eastern Europe are actively engaged in research and development, which results in concentrated and more effective humic acid formulations, thus increasing market potential. To diversify the market and support future growth, humic acid's potential should be investigated in other industries such as industrial uses, animal feed additives, and environmental applications.
- Brazil: The use of humic acid can be encouraged by government programs and policies that support environmental sustainability and agriculture. The substantial market share of humic acid may increase if the Brazilian government supports soil health initiatives or sustainable farming methods. Brazil produces a wide variety of crops, some of which are highly valuable economically, which could lead to a need for soil amendments that can boost output. Many crops may find humic acid appealing due to its ability to enhance soil structure and nutrient availability.
- Mexico: Mexico is renowned for growing a wide range of crops, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. The varied agricultural terrain might present chances for humic acid application in various crops and areas.
- Like many other places, Mexico might experience problems with environmental problems and degraded soil. The potential of humic acid to enhance soil quality and lessen environmental impact may be what propels its use.
- Middle East: The Middle East is among the regions where the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices is becoming more and more important. Since humic acid is an organic and naturally occurring soil amendment, it aligns nicely with the ideas of sustainable agriculture. The use of humic acid in the area may be indirectly influenced by government programs meant to support environmentally friendly farming practices, enhance soil health, and solve environmental issues.
- Africa: The benefits of humic acid for increasing crop yields and soil health are particularly felt in Africa, where agriculture is essential for livelihoods and food security. Farmers all over the continent are adopting it more widely as a result of growing awareness of its advantages. Africa's emphasis on environmentally friendly farming methods is a response to growing global concerns about environmental sustainability. Humic acid helps achieve this goal by encouraging soil conservation and lowering the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Australia and New Zealand: The agricultural industries in Australia and New Zealand are well-established. Products like humic acid that help improve soil water retention and plant resilience may find a market in areas vulnerable to climatic variations because agriculture is sensitive to climate conditions. The market's capacity to supply humic acid products and have efficient distribution systems in place can have a big impact on how widely used they are. A strong supply chain can help a company enter a new market.
List of Prominent Players:
- Faust Bio-Agricultural Services
- Humic Growth Solutions, Inc.
- Italpoliina S.p.A.
- LaboratoiresGoemar SAS
- Koppert B.V.
- Sikko Industries
- Black Earth Humic
- Changsha Xian Shan Yuan Agriculture
- Agbest Technology
- Nature's Lawn & Garden
- Humintech
- Everwood Farm
- Daymsa
- WinField Solutions
- Others
By Form:
- Powder
- Granular
- Liquid
- Technical Grade
- Food Grade
- Biotech Grade
- Others
- Agriculture
- Animal Feed
- Pharmaceutical
- Horticulture
- Others
- Offline
- Online
- North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
- Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
- Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, Rest of APAC)
- Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America)
- Middle East & Africa (GCC Countries, UAE, Rest of MEA)