The Soil Active Herbicides Market is estimated to be valued at USD 7.30 billion in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.4% over the forecast period (2024-2031). The market is driven by the increasing usage of herbicides in agriculture to control weeds and maximize crop yield. Furthermore, growing concerns for effective weed control is also propelling the demand for soil active herbicides.
The soil active herbicides market is witnessing significant growth due to two major drivers - increasing global demand for food and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. The world population is expected to reach around 9 billion by 2050, placing intensive pressure on the agricultural sector to increase food production. Weed control is a major challenge for farmers which impacts crop yield if not addressed properly. Soil active herbicides provide effective and economic weed control, enhancing agricultural productivity. Additionally, concerns around environmental sustainability are driving the adoption of herbicide solutions that minimize soil disturbance. Leading manufacturers are focusing on developing novel formulations that can control difficult-to-manage weeds while causing minimal impact on the soil and other crops.
Increased Adoption of No-Till Farming Practices are Driving the Demand for Soil Active Herbicides
The adoption of no-till farming practices has increased significantly over the past decade as farmers look to reduce soil erosion and preserve moisture. No-till farming involves minimal soil disturbance and leaves crop residue on the soil surface instead of incorporating it into the soil. This helps protect the soil from erosion due to wind and water. It also retains moisture in the soil for longer periods.
However, no-till farming also provides suitable conditions for the growth of weeds as they are not regularly uprooted. This has led to the rising demand for soil active herbicides that can effectively control weed growth in no-till farming fields. Herbicides that remain active in the soil for extended periods after application are particularly suitable for no-till systems. Leading manufacturers have developed a range of highly effective soil active herbicides to capitalize on this growing market driver.
Growing Global Population is Increasing Food Production Pressure
The global population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050 according to UN estimates. Feeding this growing population will put tremendous pressure on global food production. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that food production will need to increase by over 70% between 2005/07 and 2050 to meet rising demand.
In order to ramp up agricultural output to meet this increasing food requirement, farmers around the world will be compelled to maximize crop yields from every acre of cultivated land. Soil active herbicides play a vital role in minimizing crop losses due to weed competition. Their use allows farmers to increase planting density and optimize crop productivity. Meeting the food demands of a ballooning global population is a major factor propelling growth in the soil active herbicides market.
Stringent Environmental Regulations Restraining Market Growth
Growing concerns about pesticide residues in food and water sources have led many countries to enact stringent environmental regulations governing the use of agricultural chemicals. In the EU and other developed markets, regulatory authorities are increasingly banning highly toxic and non-selective herbicides. They are also restricting the application of certain soil active herbicides near water bodies.
Such regulatory restrictions tend to narrow the product options available for farmers. They also drive up the costs of research and development for manufacturers whose existing products may be banned. Complying with evolving international regulatory standards has become a challenge restraining faster growth of the soil active herbicides market.
Climate Change Impacting Weed Pressure and Distribution
Shifting weather patterns and rising temperatures associated with climate change are altering the distribution and growth of many weed species worldwide. Some weeds are proliferating in areas they did not previously thrive, while others are spreading to new regions. Climate change is also increasing weed pressure in certain crops through early germination and extended growing seasons for many weeds.
This change in weed dynamics necessitates constant reformulation of existing soil herbicide products and development of new ones to combat evolving weed flora. However, evaluating the efficacy of herbicides under new climatic conditions increases R&D expenses for agrochemical firms. Variable climate patterns make it difficult to forecast appropriate product development roadmaps, introducing uncertainties that restrain healthy market growth.
Development of Precision Application Technologies is Opening New Opportunities
The availability of modern precision application technologies such as sensor-controlled spraying systems and auto-boom height control mechanisms provides new opportunities in the soil active herbicides market. These technologies enable more efficient and controlled delivery of crop inputs like herbicides with minimal wastage.
Precisely placing active ingredients only in target areas using GPS and other spatial tools significantly reduces environmental pollution potential from herbicide runoff. It also lowers overall chemical usage and input costs for farmers. As precision agriculture adoption increases globally, it will drive robust demand for advanced soil herbicide formulations optimally suited for variable-rate and zonal applications using latest filing technologies.
Growing Organic Farming Driving Demand for Alternative Bio-Herbicides
The burgeoning market for organic food is impelling many conventional farmers to gradually transition to organic practices. Complete reliance on synthetic chemicals is not permitted in organic farming systems. This has stimulated R&D efforts to develop effective herbicide alternatives derived from natural sources such as plant oils and microbial organisms.
Known as bio-herbicides, these products are receiving significant interest from both organic farmers and environmentally-conscious consumers. With organic acreage expanding worldwide, the demand potential for novel bio-herbicide solutions is attracting major manufacturers to this market segment. Further product innovation is expected to support continued growth in demand for alternative soil weed control solutions suitable for organic production systems.
Link - https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/soil-active-herbicides-market-3338
Key Developments
- In March 2024, Atul Ltd launched post-emergence herbicide for sugarcane crops.
- In 2023, Corteva Agriscience announced plans to launch Enversa herbicide, a new versatile solution that received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration.
- In 2023, BASF launched two new herbicides, Facet and Duvelon, to support rice and tea growers tackle problematic weeds.
- In 2022, FMC launched the pre-emergent herbicide to support sugarcane farmers in India.
Key Players
Bayer AG, BASF SE, Syngenta AG, ADAMA Ltd., Nissan Chemical Corporation, DHARMAJ CROP GUARD LIMITED, Geeken Chemicals India Limited, SWAL CORPORATION LTD., Volkschem Crop Science Pvt., United Insecticides Pvt Ltd, crop life science ltd, Ratnakar Fertilizer Industries, Corteva, UPL, Gujarat Pesticides, Rallis India Limited, BIOSTADT INDIA LIMITED, Indofil Industries Limited, HPM Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd., and Star Chemicals
