Sulfur Bentonite Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast, Segmented By Application (Cereals & Grains, Fruits and Vegetables, Oilseeds, Others), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Sulfur Bentonite market was valued at USD 115.10 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 155.31 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.12%. The Global Sulfur Bentonite Market is undergoing notable expansion, fueled by the agricultural sector’s shift toward specialized sulfur nutrition solutions to combat soil micronutrient depletion. Sulfur bentonite a precision-formulated granular fertilizer combining elemental sulfur with bentonite clay for controlled release is gaining strong adoption in commercial oilseed and legume cultivation, particularly in regions facing chronic sulfur deficiencies such as India, China, Brazil, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Its application is being prioritized in farming systems that require consistent nutrient delivery, where conventional sulfur sources have proven inefficient due to leaching or rapid oxidation. As farming practices evolve toward crop-specific nutrient optimization and reduced input waste, sulfur bentonite is emerging as a high-performance input, enabling farmers to meet market-driven yield and quality targets. Backed by increased government interventions, evolving agronomic standards, and rising demand for sulfur-responsive crops, the market is positioned for sustained growth and deeper regional penetration especially where soil degradation and fertilizer efficiency are under sharp scrutiny.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand of Sulfur Bentonite in Oilseeds Crops

The rising demand for sulfur bentonite in oilseed cultivation is a key growth driver in the Global Sulfur Bentonite Market, as oilseed crops are particularly responsive to sulfur-based nutrition. This demand is being fueled by the need to enhance oil yield, improve seed quality, and correct sulfur deficiencies in major oilseed-producing regions worldwide. The integration of sulfur bentonite into oilseed farming practices is not only improving crop productivity but also strengthening its commercial appeal as a high-efficiency, value-added fertilizer.

Oilseeds such as soybean, rapeseed (canola), sunflower, mustard, and groundnut have a relatively high sulfur requirement compared to cereal crops. Sulfur is essential for the synthesis of sulfur-containing amino acids (cysteine and methionine), enzymes involved in oil formation, and protein structure. Without adequate sulfur, oilseeds often suffer from: Lower oil content in seeds, Reduced seed quality and germination, Decreased resistance to environmental stress. Sulfur bentonite, with its slow-release properties, ensures a consistent and extended supply of plant-available sulfur, supporting optimal growth and oil production throughout the crop cycle. In FY 2022–23, India imported approximately 16.5 million tonnes of edible oils, with domestic production meeting only 40–45% of the nation’s total consumption. This significant reliance on imports highlights the strategic challenge of achieving self-sufficiency in edible oil production, underscoring the urgent need for expanded oilseed cultivation, yield enhancement, and investment in agri-infrastructure to reduce external dependency.

Countries like India, China, Brazil, Argentina, and Canada are increasing land allocation for oilseed crops due to their economic value, export potential, and alignment with sustainable agriculture goals. India ranks as the fourth-largest producer of oilseeds globally and accounts for 20.8% of the world’s total cultivated area dedicated to oilseed crops. This substantial share of global acreage underscores India’s strategic position in the oilseed value chain, despite productivity challenges that limit its output relative to potential. Sulfur bentonite is promoted under government schemes such as India’s Soil Health Card and Balanced Fertilizer Use programs to address micronutrient deficiencies. Domestic fertilizer manufacturers and agri-cooperatives are expanding the distribution of sulfur bentonite for oilseed farmers under targeted campaigns. This widening adoption, supported by field trials and agronomic data, is translating into higher usage volumes and market expansion. Sulfur bentonite offers a higher return on investment for oilseed farmers compared to conventional sulfur sources such as gypsum or elemental sulfur powders. Its granular form, uniform dispersion, and bentonite-based swelling action make it easier to apply and more efficient in releasing sulfur in sync with crop uptake patterns. Farmers report benefits such as: Higher oil content per seed, Improved pod formation and seed filling, Enhanced crop uniformity and harvest quality. These outcomes translate into premium market pricing and greater profitability, making sulfur bentonite a preferred input in commercial oilseed farming.

Increasing Demand of Sulfur Bentonite in Cereals & Grains Crops

The increasing demand for sulfur bentonite in cereals and grains cultivation is emerging as a significant catalyst in driving the growth of the Global Sulfur Bentonite Market. As global food systems face rising pressure to improve productivity, nutrient use efficiency, and soil health, sulfur bentonite is gaining widespread adoption as a high-performance fertilizer input that directly supports these objectives particularly in the cultivation of cereals and grains such as wheat, rice, maize, barley, and millet. Over the past few decades, there has been a sharp decline in naturally available sulfur in agricultural soils, largely due to: Decreased atmospheric sulfur deposition from cleaner industrial practices, Heavy reliance on high-analysis fertilizers (e.g., urea, DAP, NPK blends) with minimal sulfur content, Continuous cropping without adequate sulfur replenishment. Cereals and grains, though traditionally less sulfur-sensitive than oilseeds, are now showing signs of yield stagnation and declining grain quality due to sulfur deficiencies. Sulfur is essential in these crops for chlorophyll formation, protein synthesis, and nitrogen utilization efficiency. Sulfur-deficient cereal crops often show: Poor nitrogen uptake, leading to lower protein content, Reduced grain weight and impaired tillering, Delayed maturity and weak plant structure. Sulfur bentonite, with its controlled-release profile and high elemental sulfur content, has emerged as an efficient solution for delivering sulfur over an extended crop cycle especially in rainfed and marginal soils where sulfur losses are high.

As global demand for staple cereals rises due to population growth, food security initiatives, and increased per capita consumption, farmers and agribusinesses are under pressure to maximize output without compromising on grain quality. Between 2015 and 2022, global domestic material consumption increased by 23.3%, reflecting intensified industrial activity and resource utilization worldwide. During this period, per capita material consumption rose to 14.2 metric tons, signaling a growing demand for raw materials across economies amid expanding infrastructure, manufacturing, and consumer sectors. Sulfur bentonite is increasingly being integrated into nutrient management programs for: Boosting nitrogen use efficiency, leading to higher grain protein levels, Improving grain uniformity and test weight, Enhancing disease resistance and stress tolerance. These outcomes are particularly important in markets like India, Bangladesh, Brazil, and Sub-Saharan Africa, where cereals are grown on large tracts of sulfur-deficient land. By ensuring higher yields and better-quality harvests, sulfur bentonite is strengthening its position as a cost-effective and yield-enhancing input.

Many countries with cereal-based agriculture have launched government-backed soil health initiatives, promoting the use of secondary and micronutrients to balance nutrient profiles and restore soil fertility. Sulfur bentonite has gained traction under schemes such as: Soil Health Card Program (India), Integrated Plant Nutrient Management programs, Public sector fertilizer subsidy systems targeting cereal-producing regions. By promoting sulfur-enriched fertilizers as part of balanced nutrition protocols, these programs are boosting the visibility and demand for sulfur bentonite, especially among smallholder and semi-commercial cereal producers. Cereal production is increasingly being aligned with sustainable farming models, where input efficiency, soil health, and reduced environmental impact are central concerns. Sulfur bentonite supports this shift by: Offering low leaching losses compared to sulfate-based fertilizers, Enhancing root development and crop resilience under stress conditions, Reducing the dependency on nitrogen-heavy inputs through improved uptake efficiency. As governments, cooperatives, and agri-tech platforms push for climate-smart agriculture, sulfur bentonite is being positioned as a sustainability-aligned product that improves resource efficiency while delivering tangible yield benefits.

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Key Market Challenges

High Production Costs and Price Sensitivity Among End-Users

One of the most critical challenges limiting the growth of the sulfur bentonite market is its relatively high production cost compared to traditional sulfur-based fertilizers such as gypsum, ammonium sulfate, or single superphosphate (SSP). The production of sulfur bentonite involves a granulation process, integration of bentonite clay for swelling and dispersion, and specialized handling for controlled-release functionality.

These manufacturing complexities increase the per-ton cost of the product, making it less competitive in price-sensitive agricultural markets. Smallholder farmers in developing regions who constitute a major portion of the global fertilizer user base often prioritize low-cost bulk fertilizers, even if they offer lower efficiency. Government fertilizer subsidies in many countries tend to favor conventional NPK formulations, further limiting the market penetration of premium products like sulfur bentonite. Unless cost-efficient manufacturing technologies and targeted subsidies are introduced, price competitiveness will remain a key constraint, especially in emerging economies.

Limited Awareness and Technical Knowledge Among Farmers

Despite its agronomic advantages, sulfur bentonite suffers from limited awareness and adoption, particularly in rural and low-literacy farming communities. In many countries, farmers remain unaware of: The importance of sulfur in crop nutrition, Sulfur deficiency symptoms in soil or plants, The benefits of slow-release sulfur fertilizers over conventional alternatives. In the absence of robust extension services, field demonstrations, and agronomic guidance, the uptake of sulfur bentonite remains restricted to progressive farmers and commercial operations. This knowledge gap is further compounded by fragmented distribution channels, lack of localized marketing, and limited involvement of cooperatives in sulfur-based product education. The lack of farmer training and weak last-mile outreach continues to hinder product demand, even in high-potential sulfur-deficient regions.

Key Market Trends

Transition Toward Balanced Fertilization and Secondary Nutrient Management

A major trend influencing future market growth is the global shift from macronutrient-heavy fertilization (NPK) toward balanced nutrient programs that emphasize secondary and micronutrients, particularly sulfur. Agronomists, policymakers, and fertilizer advisory bodies are recognizing that yield plateaus and declining soil fertility in many high-output regions are linked to the long-term neglect of nutrients like sulfur, zinc, and magnesium.

Sulfur is now being classified as a “limiting nutrient” in intensive farming systems, especially for crops like wheat, maize, and oilseeds. National agricultural strategies especially in countries such as India, Brazil, and Egypt are beginning to mandate or recommend the inclusion of sulfur in government-subsidized nutrient plans. Precision farming platforms and soil-testing services are also generating data-driven insights on sulfur deficiencies, accelerating farmer adoption of sulfur-enriched granular products like sulfur bentonite. This systemic transition toward nutrient balance over yield maximization is creating long-term, structural demand for sulfur bentonite across multiple crop segments and geographies.

Integration of Sulfur Bentonite in Controlled and Specialty Fertilizer Blends

As fertilizer producers seek to create multi-functional, crop-specific formulations, sulfur bentonite is increasingly being integrated into custom blends and coated fertilizers. These specialty fertilizers combine nutrients such as sulfur, nitrogen, zinc, and boron to offer enhanced agronomic performance tailored to specific soil types, climates, and crops.

Manufacturers are innovating with composite granules, sulfur-coated urea, and micronutrient-sulfur fusion technologies that feature sulfur bentonite as the core sulfur source due to its slow-release and dispersible characteristics. The demand for value-added fertilizers is growing rapidly among large-scale farms and agribusinesses that focus on input efficiency, yield stability, and environmental compliance. This trend is expanding the application of sulfur bentonite beyond stand-alone products, embedding it into more complex and commercially scalable fertilizer platforms broadening its addressable market.

Segmental Insights

Application Insights

Based on the category of application, oilseeds segment emerged as the fastest growing in the global market for Sulfur Bentonite in 2024. Oilseed crops such as soybean, groundnut, sunflower, mustard, and canola have high sulfur requirements due to their role in synthesizing sulfur-containing amino acids and enzymes involved in oil metabolism. Sulfur deficiency in these crops often leads to: Lower oil content in seeds, Reduced protein levels, Poor plant growth and reduced yield. Sulfur bentonite, with its slow-release and high sulfur content, provides an efficient and targeted solution to this nutritional gap. Its granular form ensures uniform distribution in the soil and consistent sulfur availability throughout the crop growth cycle, significantly improving oil yield and seed quality factors critical for commercial oilseed farming.

The global consumption of edible oils is on a steady rise, fueled by: Population growth, particularly in Asia and Africa, Increasing per capita income and urbanization, Growing use of vegetable oils in processed foods, cosmetics, and biofuels. To meet this demand, oilseed producers are focusing on maximizing yield and oil extraction efficiency. Sulfur bentonite is being widely adopted as a crop-specific micronutrient fertilizer in oilseed cultivation, especially in sulfur-deficient regions, due to its proven impact on oil quality and economic returns.

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Regional Insights

Asia Pacific emerged as the largest market in the global Sulfur Bentonite market in 2024, Asia Pacific economies particularly India, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam are heavily dependent on agriculture for food security, employment, and GDP contribution. The region accounts for a significant share of the global arable land and is home to smallholder and commercial farming operations that require continuous improvement in soil fertility to support crop yield and sustainability. Sulfur bentonite is widely adopted in this region as a cost-effective source of plant-available sulfur, a vital secondary nutrient that supports chlorophyll formation, nitrogen metabolism, and oil synthesis in crops like oilseeds, pulses, cereals, and sugarcane. With many soils in Asia Pacific naturally deficient in sulfur, demand for sulfur-enriched fertilizers continues to grow, positioning sulfur bentonite as a preferred solution.

Governments across Asia Pacific are actively promoting the use of micronutrient-based and balanced fertilization practices to address declining soil fertility and stagnant crop yields. Sulfur deficiency, often overlooked in conventional fertilization programs, has now been identified as a major contributor to nutrient imbalance and reduced crop quality. Sulfur bentonite provides a slow-release, water-dispersible form of elemental sulfur, improving nutrient use efficiency while addressing long-term sulfur deficiencies. As regional farmers shift from traditional to nutrient-specific fertilizer programs, the role of sulfur bentonite has become increasingly integral in integrated nutrient management strategies. Governments in the Asia Pacific region, especially India, are offering strong policy support for soil health improvement and the adoption of sulfur-based fertilizers. Programs such as: Soil Health Card Scheme (India), Subsidized fertilizer distribution mechanisms, Promotion of balanced fertilization under PM-KISAN and PMFBY are directly driving sulfur bentonite consumption. India alone accounts for a significant portion of global sulfur bentonite demand, supported by a large agrarian economy and centralized fertilizer procurement systems.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, The Visakhapatnam facility operates as a fully backward-integrated complex, producing approximately 1.2 million tonnes of complex fertilizers annually, alongside in-house manufacturing of phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid, which ensures tighter control over quality and input reliability. The site also includes a dedicated sulfur fertilizer unit with a 25,000-tonne annual capacity which has now been doubled to 50,000 tonnes following the commissioning of an additional production line. This strategic capacity expansion significantly strengthens the facility’s ability to deliver a consistent and high-grade supply of bentonite sulfur fertilizers, enhancing product availability for farmers and reinforcing the company’s position in the sulfur nutrition segment.
• In May 2023, HGS BioScience, a leader in the manufacture of dry-delivery, functional carbon, and Tiger Sul Products LLC, leaders in sulfur bentonite and micronutrient-enhanced crop performance products, announced a new strategic partnership to develop and commercialize a portfolio of high-value soil health and nutritional products.

Key Market Players

• Tiger-Sul Products LLC
• Devco Australia
• Coromandel International Limited
• Galaxy Sulfur LLC
• Sohar Sulphur Fertilizers LLC
• Montana Sulphur & Chemical Co.
• National Fertilizers Limited
• Kiran Chemicals
• Gujarat Aksha Fertilizer Company
• Irasulph Company

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Sulfur Bentonite Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Sulfur Bentonite Market, By Application:

o   Cereals & Grains

o   Fruits and Vegetables

o   Oilseeds

o   Others

• Sulfur Bentonite Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  Germany

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  South Korea

§  Japan

§  Australia

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Sulfur Bentonite Market.

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Company Information

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