Limestone for Agriculture Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Product (Normal, Granular/Palletized and Other Products), Type (Dolomitic Limestone, Calcitic Limestone and Other Types), Application, End User and by Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Limestone for Agriculture Market is accounted for $160.36 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $233.98 million by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. A vital agricultural supplement, limestone is primarily made up of calcium carbonate and is used to neutralize acidic soils in order to create an environment that is more conducive to plant growth. Limestone raises pH levels in order to increase the availability of essential plant nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Moreover, it also encourages the breakdown of organic matter in the soil, which in turn promotes healthier microbial activity and improves soil structure.
According to the American Agricultural Association, sustainable farming practices are essential for preserving soil health and biodiversity while ensuring long-term food security.
Market Dynamics:Driver:Growing knowledge of sustainability and soil health
Growing awareness of the significance of preserving soil health is occurring among farmers and other agricultural stakeholders due to growing concerns about soil degradation and environmental sustainability. Additionally, limestone contributes to improved soil structure and acidic soil neutralization, which enhances nutrient availability and water retention. Because of this understanding, limestone is becoming more widely used in agriculture as a sustainable method of improving ecosystem health and long-term soil productivity.
Restraint:Alternative amendments to the soil
For soil amendment, gypsum or organic compost are two options in addition to limestone. These substitutes may occasionally be preferred over limestone, depending on the particular soil requirements and crop needs. Furthermore, the growth of the limestone for agriculture market may be hindered by competition from these alternatives as farmers evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various options for soil amendment.
Opportunity:Growth in agricultural practices in developing areas
The expansion of agricultural activities is being driven by population growth and economic development in developing regions. The demand for soil amendments like limestone, which can increase soil fertility and support sustainable agriculture practices, is rising as farmers in these regions look to increase productivity and crop yields. Moreover, suppliers of limestone have the chance to reach out to new markets and form alliances for local distribution and application services as a result of market expansion into these areas.
Threat:Alternative soil amendment competition
Limestone faces competition from the availability and use of substitute soil amendments like gypsum, organic compost, and biochar in the agricultural sector. Depending on the particular soil conditions and crop requirements of the farmer, these alternatives may be appealing because they provide specific benefits like enhanced soil structure, better water retention, or micronutrient enrichment. Additionally, the growth of the limestone market may be hampered by competition from these alternatives, especially in areas where alternative amendments are favored or supported by subsidies or agricultural extension programs.
Covid-19 Impact:On the market for limestone used in agriculture, the COVID-19 pandemic had a variety of effects. The distribution and availability of limestone products were initially hampered by personnel shortages, logistical difficulties, and supply chain disruptions. Reduced agricultural activity and varying farmer demand were caused by lockdown measures and economic uncertainty, which changed market dynamics. Additionally, strain on supply came from the temporary closure of processing plants and mines.
The Granular/Palletized segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The granular or palletized limestone segment usually holds the largest share of the limestone for agriculture market. Farmers and other agricultural professionals prefer granular or palletized limestone products because of their uniform spreading and ease of application. These products dissolve more easily in soil than larger, coarse forms of limestone because they are finely ground into small granules or pellets. Furthermore, this makes it easier and faster to neutralize acidic soils, improving soil fertility and encouraging healthier crop growth in the process.
The Soil pH Management segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The segment with the highest projected CAGR is expected to be soil pH management. Limestone is applied to the soil in order to maintain and adjust its pH level, which is essential for the best possible crop growth. In order to ensure prompt and efficient neutralization of acidic soils, which can otherwise impede crop nutrient uptake, limestone products used for soil pH management are finely ground. Moreover, farmers growing awareness of the significance of soil pH in maximizing crop productivity and the long-term advantages of maintaining balanced soil conditions is what is driving this market.
Region with largest share:North America usually holds the largest share of the limestone for agriculture market. The region's extensive agricultural practices, which heavily rely on limestone to control soil pH and increase crop productivity, are the main cause of this dominance. Farmers in North America frequently use limestone to counteract acidic soils that are common in some regions, which increases crop nutrient availability and encourages healthier plant growth. Furthermore, the demand for limestone products in this region is further supported by the adoption of contemporary agricultural techniques and the emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Region with highest CAGR:Asia-Pacific usually has the highest CAGR in the limestone for agriculture market. Numerous factors are contributing to this growth, such as the expansion of agricultural activities, growing public awareness of soil health management, and the widespread adoption of contemporary farming techniques in nations like China, India, and Southeast Asia. Limestone is being used more and more in these areas to raise crop yields, raise soil pH levels, and improve crop nutrient availability. Moreover, limestone demand in agriculture is rising due in part to government initiatives to improve food security and encourage sustainable agriculture.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Limestone for Agriculture market include Lhoist Group, Casella Waste Systems Inc., Afrimat Ltd., Graymont Limited, Breedon Group plc, Leiths Scotland Ltd., Nordkalk Corporation, Arcosa Inc., United States Lime and Minerals Inc., Minerals Technologies Inc, Yoshizawa Lime Industry CO. LTD, Sibelco, Calcium Products Inc. and Uthaya Chemicals
Key Developments:In June 2023, Afrimat, has entered a share purchase agreement with a Holcim Group subsidiary, Caricement B.V., in terms of which Afrimat will acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Lafarge South Africa Holdings held by the Seller and, therefore, all LSA’s subsidiaries for a purchase consideration.
In April 2023, Casella Waste Systems, Inc., a regional solid waste, recycling, and resource management services company, announced the signing of an equity purchase agreement, to acquire collection, transfer, and recycling operations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland from GFL Environmental Inc. (“GFL”) for a purchase price of $525 million.
In October 2022, Lhoist and ENGIE have signed a renewable energy contract for 8.4 MW, generated by wind farms in the North Sea. Supplementing the Guarantee of Origin system, its green electricity consumption will be certified using blockchain technology. With this contract, Lhoist and ENGIE are pioneering the certification of renewable electricity in Belgium.
Products Covered:
• Normal
• Granular/Palletized
• Other Products
Types Covered:
• Dolomitic Limestone
• Calcitic Limestone
• Other Types
Applications Covered:
• Soil pH Management
• Crop Nutrition
• Other Applications
End Users Covered:
• Farms
• Horticulture
• Other End Users
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements