휴민산 세계 시장 규모는 2024년 7억 1,280만 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 이 시장이 2033년까지 14억 1,020만 달러에 달하고, 2025-2033년 7.9%의 연평균 성장률(CAGR)을 보일 것으로 전망하고 있습니다. 이 시장은 농업 생산성 향상에 대한 수요 증가, 화학물질 오염 및 토양 악화, 기존 농산물의 환경 영향에 대한 우려 증가, 토양 정화에 대한 관심 증가 등을 배경으로 안정적인 성장세를 보이고 있습니다.
주요 시장 성장 촉진요인 : 지속 가능한 농업에 대한 관심이 높아지고 토양 정화 솔루션에 대한 수요가 증가함에 따라 시장은 강력한 성장세를 보이고 있습니다.
주요 시장 동향 : 특정 용도와 작물에 맞는 혁신적인 제형의 도입이 시장 성장을 가속하고 있습니다. 이러한 발전은 휴민산 기반 제품의 효능과 사용 편의성을 향상시키고 있습니다.
지리적 동향 : 아시아태평양은 식품 수요 증가와 인구 증가에 힘입어 시장을 주도하고 있습니다. 그러나 북미는 농작물 수확량 극대화에 대한 관심이 높아지면서 급성장하는 시장으로 부상하고 있습니다.
과제와 기회: 이 시장은 안정적인 제품 품질의 필요성과 같은 문제에 직면하는 한편, 식량 안보에 대한 관심이 높아지는 기회도 맞이하고 있습니다.
농업 생산성 향상에 대한 요구 증가
세계 인구 증가와 식량 수요 증가에 따라 농업 생산성을 지속적으로 향상시키는 휴민산에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있는 것이 휴민산 시장 전망에 기여하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 현재 프랑스의 총 농지 면적은 2,800만 헥타르(ha)로 국토의 약 절반을 차지하고 있으며, 이 수치는 향후 증가할 것으로 예측됩니다. 이에 따라 부식산은 천연 토양 개량제 역할을 하여 토양 구조와 영양분 보유 능력을 개선하는 데 도움을 줍니다. 또한, 토양 내 유익한 미생물 활동을 활성화하고 식물의 필수 영양소 흡수를 향상시켜 작물 수확량 증가로 이어집니다. 그 결과, 농부들과 생산자들은 휴민산 기반 제품을 농법에 도입하여 더 높은 수확량을 달성하고, 작물의 품질을 개선하고, 화학비료에 대한 의존도를 낮추고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 2023년 2월 앤더슨스(Andersons Inc.)는 칼슘, 망간, 유황, 아연, 휴민산을 함유한 과립형 미량 영양소 비료 신제품 MicroMark DG Humic을 출시했습니다.
증가하는 환경 문제
환경에 대한 인식이 높아짐에 따라 부식산 수요가 증가함에 따라 시장 전망이 밝아지고 있습니다. 이에 따라 화학적 오염, 토양 오염, 기존 농산물이 환경에 미치는 영향에 대한 우려가 높아지면서 시장 성장을 가속하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 세계유기농업협회(World of Organic Agriculture)에 따르면, 유기농은 187개국에서 시행되고 있으며, 유기농으로 재배되는 농지는 72.3 헥타르에 달하는 것으로 추산됩니다. 또한, 지속 가능하고 친환경적인 관행에 대한 선호도가 높아지면서 시장 성장에 박차를 가하고 있습니다. 휴민산은 천연 유래 유기 물질이기 때문에 이러한 우려에 부합하며, 유기농 및 재생 농업의 성장에 유리합니다. 예를 들어, 2022년 2월 GSFC는 휴민산, 미네랄, 비타민을 함유한 도시 원예용 비료 Urban Sardar를 출시했습니다. 이 외에도 지속 가능한 농업을 촉진하기 위한 정부의 지원과 혜택도 성장을 가속하는 요인으로 작용하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 미국 농무부(USDA)는 2022년 3월 이 지역에서 휴민산과 수용성 비료를 포함한 비료 생산을 늘리기 위해 2억 5,000만 달러를 투자할 계획을 발표하여 농부들에게 지속 가능한 비료 선택권을 제공했습니다.
토양 정화에 대한 관심 증가
토양 오염과 악화 증가로 인한 토양 복구에 대한 수요 증가는 시장에 긍정적인 영향을 미치고 있습니다. 또한, 부식산은 오염된 토양의 정화에 매우 중요한 역할을 합니다. 이 외에도 토양 내 중금속, 독소, 오염물질은 환경과 인간의 건강에 큰 위협이 되고 있습니다. 또한, 휴민산은 이러한 오염물질과 결합하여 고정시켜 이동성과 생체 이용률을 감소시킬 수 있습니다. 예를 들어, 2022년 7월 Performance Nutrition은 3%의 휴민산을 함유한 수용성 분말 및 과립형 비료인 NutriWise 브랜드를 출시하였습니다. 또한, 부식산은 토양 본래의 구조와 미생물의 활동을 회복시켜 오염된 토양의 전반적인 건강 상태를 개선할 수 있습니다. 또한, 정부 기관 및 환경 기관은 토양 정화 활동에서 휴민산의 잠재력을 인식하고 있으며, 이는 시장 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 2023년 10월 Progressive Planet Solutions는 최대 1,355에이커의 토지에 살포하여 화학 비료의 사용을 더욱 줄일 수 있는 천연 토양 개량제인 CARBO Ca를 발표했습니다. 토양을 풍요롭게 하는 유기물질의 영업비밀 조합입니다.
The global humic acid market size reached USD 712.8 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 1,410.2 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% during 2025-2033. The market is experiencing steady growth driven by the growing need to enhance agricultural productivity, rising concerns about chemical pollution, soil degradation and environmental impact of conventional agriculture products, and increasing focus on soil remediation.
Major Market Drivers: The market is witnessing strong growth, driven by the rising focus on sustainable agriculture, along with the increasing need for soil remediation solutions.
Key Market Trends: The introduction of innovative humic acid formulations tailored as per specific applications and crops are facilitating the market growth. These advancements enhance the efficacy and usability of humic acid-based products.
Geographical Trends: Asia Pacific leads the market, driven by the rising demand for food products and increasing population. However, North America is emerging as a fast-growing market on account of the increasing focus on maximizing crop yields.
Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the humic acid industry include Agbest Technology Co. Limited, Arctech Inc., Black Earth Humic, Cifo Srl, Desarrollo Agricola y Minero S.A., Humic Growth Solutions Inc., Humintech GmbH, Jiangxi PingxiangAnhua Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Jiloca Industrial S.A. (JISA), Saint Humic Acid, The Andersons Inc., and Xian Shan Yuan Agriculture & Technology Co. Ltd., among many others.
Challenges and Opportunities: While the market faces challenges, such as the need for consistent product quality, it also encounters opportunities in rising food security concerns.
Growing need to enhance agricultural productivity
The increasing demand for humic acid to sustainably enhance agricultural productivity, given the rising global population and food demand, is contributing to the humic acid market outlook. For instance, currently, the total agricultural land in France accounts for 28 million hectares (ha), about half of its territory and this number is expected to rise in the coming years. In line with this, humic acid acts as a natural soil conditioner that assists in improving soil structure and nutrient-holding capacity. It also stimulates beneficial microbial activity in soil, which, in turn, enables better absorption of essential nutrients by plants, leading to increased crop yields. As a result, farmers and growers are incorporating humic acid-based products into their agricultural practices to achieve higher yields, improve crop quality, and reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers. For instance, in February 2023, the Andersons Inc. introduced MicroMark DG Humic, a new line of granular micronutrient fertilizer which includes a combination of calcium, manganese, sulfur, zinc, and humic acid.
Rising environmental concerns
The growing demand for humic acid on account of the increasing environmental consciousness is offering a positive market outlook. In line with this, rising concerns over chemical pollution, soil degradation, and the environmental impact of conventional agriculture products are propelling the growth of the market. For instance, according to the World of Organic Agriculture, it is estimated that organic farming is practiced in 187 countries with 72.3 ha of agricultural land cultivated organically. Moreover, increasing preferences for sustainable and eco-friendly practices are bolstering the market growth. Humic acid aligns with these concerns as it is a naturally occurring organic substance, thereby favoring its growth in organic and regenerative farming systems. For example, in February 2022, GSFC launched Urban Sardar, a fertilizer for urban gardening containing humic acid, minerals, and vitamins. Besides, government support and incentives for promoting sustainable agriculture is acting as another growth-inducing factor. For instance, in March 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its plan to invest $250 million to increase fertilizer production, including humic acid and water-soluble fertilizers, in the region, providing farmers an enhanced choice in sustainable fertilizers.
Increasing focus on soil remediation
The growing demand for soil remediation due to the increasing soil pollution and degradation is positively influencing the market. In addition, humic acid plays a pivotal role in cleaning up contaminated soils. Besides this, heavy metals, toxins, and pollutants in the soil pose a significant threat to environmental and human health. Additionally, humic acid can bind with these contaminants, immobilizing them and reducing their mobility and bioavailability. For instance, in July 2022, Performance Nutrition launched the NutriWise brand, a water-soluble powder and granular fertilizer with 3% humic acids. Furthermore, humic acid can improve the overall health of polluted soils by restoring their natural structure and microbial activity. Moreover, governing and environmental agencies are increasingly recognizing the potential of humic acid in soil cleanup efforts, which is supporting the market growth. For example, in October 2023, Progressive Planet Solutions Inc. unveiled CARBO Ca, a natural soil conditioner that is planned to be applied on up to 1,355 acres of land, further reducing chemical fertilizer applications. CARBO Ca is a trade-secret combination of organic materials that enriches soil with calcium, carbon (humin), humic acid, and fulvic acid.
Powdered humic acid is a popular form in agriculture due to its ease of application. It can be easily mixed with soil, fertilizers, or other inputs. In addition, it is often preferred for soil conditioning and as a seed treatment to enhance germination rates. Powdered humic acid is also used in the production of humic acid-based products for gardening and landscaping.
Granular humic acid is commonly used for long-term soil improvement. It is applied directly to the soil and gradually releases humic substances over time. It is favored in applications where a slow release of humic acid is desired, such as in turf management, golf courses, and large-scale agricultural operations. Besides this, granular forms are suitable for organic farming practices.
Liquid humic acid is versatile and easy to apply through irrigation systems or as foliar sprays. It offers rapid nutrient uptake by plants due to its liquid form, making it suitable for crop nutrition and stress management. Liquid humic acid is also utilized in hydroponics and aquaponics systems. It can be blended with other liquid fertilizers and agrochemicals for customized applications. For example, NTS Liquid Humus is a rich, dark brown liquid humic acid offered by Nutri-Tech Solutions Pty Ltd. The product is produced from potassium humates, which can be used as a fertilizer. Moreover, North America held a significant share of the humic acid water-soluble fertilizers market due to its large-scale fertilizer production. According to the World Bank's collection of development indicators, the United States fertilizer use (as a % of fertilizer production) was 112% in 2021.
Direct sales involve the manufacturer or producer selling humic acid products directly to end-users, such as farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and large-scale growers. Manufacturers often establish their sales teams or utilize online platforms to directly reach out to their buyers. Direct sales allow for better communication between manufacturers and end-users, providing product information, technical support, and tailored solutions. This channel is commonly used for bulk orders and customized product formulations to meet specific agricultural needs.
Indirect sales involve intermediaries or distribution networks between the manufacturer and end-users. These intermediaries can include distributors, retailers, agricultural supply stores, and local dealers. Indirect channels provide convenience to buyers by offering a wide range of agricultural products in one place. They also offer localized support and faster access to products. This channel is often used for smaller-scale purchases, such as by individual gardeners or small-scale farmers.
Agriculture represents the leading market segment
The rising employment of humic acid in the agriculture sector to improve soil health, enhance nutrient uptake by plants, and increase crop yields is contributing to the market growth. In line with this, humic acid is applied directly to the soil or mixed with fertilizers to enhance their effectiveness. It is commonly used in both conventional and organic farming practices to promote sustainable agriculture. For example, according to a report by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), producers surveyed across the country plan to plant 92.0 million acres of maize in 2023, a rise of 4% from the previous year.
Asia Pacific leads the market, accounting for the largest humic acid market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific represents the largest regional market for humic acid.
Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share due to the rising demand for food products among the masses. In line with this, the increasing focus on enhancing yields and improving soil quality is bolstering the growth of the market. Moreover, rapid industrialization is leading to soil pollution and degradation, making soil remediation a critical concern. Furthermore, the escalating demand for humic acid to restore soil health is propelling the market growth. For instance, according to a 2022 survey performed by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture and International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), India ranked the fifth largest organic food producer globally with organic food being cultivated on 2.6 Mn hectares. Moreover, the Economic Survey 2022-2023 mentions that India has 4.43 Mn organic farmers, the highest in the world. Besides, governments of Asian countries are providing incentives for encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices in the region. For instance, Japan's agricultural ministry has set a goal to limit the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides by 30% and 50%, respectively, by 2050. Simultaneously, they are increasing the total farmland allocated for organic agriculture to 25%.
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the Humic Acid industry include Agbest Technology Co. Limited, Arctech Inc., Black Earth Humic, Cifo Srl, Desarrollo Agricola y Minero S.A., Humic Growth Solutions Inc., Humintech GmbH, Jiangxi PingxiangAnhua Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Jiloca Industrial S.A. (JISA), Saint Humic Acid, The Andersons Inc., and Xian Shan Yuan Agriculture & Technology Co. Ltd., among many others.
(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)