The Sulfur Coated Urea market is estimated to be valued at US$ 1,453 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.3% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

Market Overview:
Sulfur coated urea is a fertilizer in which urea is coated with elemental sulfur. It allows for the slow and steady release of nitrogen into the soil over an extended period, which benefits crops by synchronizing nitrogen release with plant needs. This reduces nitrogen losses due to volatilization and run-off. The product is widely used on turf and professional lawn care, agriculture crops and greenhouse production.

Market Dynamics:
The growth of the sulfur coated urea market is driven by increasing demand for controlled release nitrogen fertilizers from farmers to improve nitrogen use efficiency of crops. Sulfur coated urea slowly releases nutrients as per the requirement of crops and reduces the loss of nitrogen into the air or water.This prevents nitrogen wastage and increases crop yields. Furthermore, growing awareness regarding the benefits of sulfur coated urea such as extended nitrogen release pattern, synced supply of nitrogen to crops and reduced environmental pollution is also fueling the market growth. However, high production costs and availability of substitute fertilizers may hamper the market growth during the forecast period.

SWOT Analysis
Strength: Sulfur coated urea is a slow release fertilizer that provides nitrogen to crops over an extended period of time, reducing labor costs associated with multiple applications. It is widely used in turf and ornamental farming as it maintains green color for a long duration. The coating also prevents nitrogen volatilization and leaching, ensuring higher nitrogen use efficiency.
Weakness: Sulfur coated urea is more expensive than other conventional nitrogen fertilizers. It also requires special application equipment for an even coating of sulfur which increases costs. The coating process is complex and needs careful quality control.
Opportunity: Rapid expansion of the turf grass industry worldwide due to increasing outdoor recreational activities and construction of sports fields and golf courses. Rising demand for high value crops that require controlled release nitrogen fertilizers.
Threats: Volatility in raw material prices can squeeze margins for manufacturers. Strong competition from other substitutes such as polymer coated fertilizers.

Key Takeaways
The global sulfur coated urea market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting CAGR of 3.3% over the forecast period, due to increasing demand for controlled release nitrogen fertilizers from the turf grass industry.

Regional analysis North America dominates the global market currently owing to large scale turf grass farming activities and mature golf courses industry in the region. Asia Pacific is expected to witness fastest growth due to rising meat consumption driving demand for animal feed and expansion of construction activities augmenting turf grass planting.

Key players operating in the sulfur coated urea market are Agrium Inc., Israel Chemicals Ltd., Syngenta AG., Yara International ASA, Andersons Inc., Haifa Chemicals Ltd, J. R. Simplot Company, and Koch Industries Inc., Harrell’s LLC. Key players are focusing on capacity expansion plans and new product launches to strengthen their position in the market.