Global Humic Acid Market By Form (Powdered, Granular, Liquid), By Grade (Technical Grade, Food Grade, Biotech Grade, Others), By Application (Agriculture, Ecological Bioremediation, Horticulture, Dietary Supplements, Others), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2025-2034

Report Overview

The Global Humic Acid Market size is expected to be worth around USD 1530.2 Million by 2034, from USD 563.8 Million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Humic acid concentrates are high‑purity solutions derived from decomposed organic matter—typically peat, leonardite, or lignite—that serve as soil amendments, biostimulants, and feed additives. These concentrates enhance soil structure, promote nutrient uptake, stimulate microbial activity, and support sustainable agriculture.

Regulatory bodies, such as the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP), classify humic acids as acceptable soil amendments (7 CFR 205.601(j)(3)), permitting extraction using alkali methods—including potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide—indicating alignment with organic farming standards.

Humic acids, derived from organic decomposition in soil, peat, and lignite, contribute significantly to soil fertility by enhancing cation exchange capacity and improving water retention. In soils rich in organic matter, humic acid content may reach 5–7%, while in sources like leonardite it can constitute over 80%. The capacity to chelate nutrients such as iron, nitrogen, and phosphorus enhances availability to plant roots, underpinning its value across agricultural, horticultural, and remediation applications

One major driving force is the global shift towards sustainable agriculture. Humic acid improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and aids nutrient absorption, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Soil degradation currently affects approximately 30% of arable land worldwide, prompting increased humic acid usage for remediation.

These substances—comprising humic acid (HA), fulvic acid, and humin—are integral to organic matter in soils, constituting 50–90% of soil cation exchange capacity and improving nutrient retention and buffering against pH fluctuations.

Key Takeaways

• Humic Acid Market size is expected to be worth around USD 1530.2 Million by 2034, from USD 563.8 Million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 10.5%.
• Powdered held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 50.4% share of the global humic acid market.
• Technical Grade held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 63.3% share of the global humic acid market.
• Agriculture held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 68.1% share of the global humic acid market.
• Europe held a commanding 42.2% regional share, equating to an approximate value of USD 240 million.

By Form

Powdered Humic Acid dominates with 50.4% share in 2024 due to its versatility in agriculture and easy application.

In 2024, Powdered held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 50.4% share of the global humic acid market. This form continues to be the preferred choice among farmers and distributors, largely due to its longer shelf life, ease of mixing with soil and fertilizers, and compatibility with both organic and conventional farming systems. Powdered humic acid is especially effective in enhancing nutrient uptake in dryland farming and can be easily transported and stored without special conditions.

Its consistent availability across major agricultural economies, including India and China, has further supported its widespread use. While liquid and granular forms are gaining ground in specific applications, powdered humic acid remained the largest segment in both value and volume terms during 2024 and is expected to maintain its lead into 2025, supported by high usage in cereal, pulses, and horticultural crop production.

By Grade

Technical Grade Humic Acid leads with 63.3% share in 2024, driven by its wide use in large-scale crop and soil treatment.

In 2024, Technical Grade held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 63.3% share of the global humic acid market. This grade is widely used in agriculture because of its high purity, strong chelating properties, and effectiveness in improving soil structure and nutrient absorption. It is especially favored in commercial farming where large-scale applications are required through drip irrigation or foliar spray systems.

Technical grade humic acid also supports efficient blending with other fertilizers, making it ideal for integrated nutrient management practices. Its high solubility and consistent quality make it suitable for mechanized farming and precision agriculture setups. The strong demand from countries focusing on sustainable farming practices, such as India and Australia, continues to boost its consumption. The segment is expected to retain its lead in 2025 as well, supported by ongoing adoption in both field crops and high-value horticulture.

By Application

Agriculture dominates with 68.1% share in 2024 as farmers rely on humic acid to boost soil health and crop yields.

In 2024, Agriculture held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 68.1% share of the global humic acid market. The high share is mainly due to the increasing use of humic acid in improving soil fertility, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health. It is widely used in organic and conventional farming systems for a range of crops including cereals, fruits, vegetables, and pulses. Farmers prefer humic acid for its natural composition and its ability to reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Its role in restoring degraded soils and improving water retention has made it especially popular in regions facing soil salinity and drought stress. Governments promoting sustainable farming practices have further encouraged its use through subsidy programs and training. In 2025, agriculture is expected to continue leading the market, supported by growing demand for clean-label food production and environmentally friendly crop inputs.

Key Market Segments

By Form

• Powdered
• Granular
• Liquid

By Grade

• Technical Grade
• Food Grade
• Biotech Grade
• Others

By Application

• Agriculture
• Ecological Bioremediation
• Horticulture
• Dietary Supplements
• Others

Drivers

Strong government support and sustainable farming policies drive humic acid demand

One major factor fueling the growth of humic acid is the increasing support from governments around the world for sustainable agriculture, coupled with clear evidence of yield benefits in crops. In India, the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), run by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research since 2011, has explicitly promoted soil-health measures—including the use of organic soil amendments such as humic acid—under its ‘Improving Soil Health’ module.

Similar programs in China and Europe focus on reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and increasing soil organic matter through humic substance application, as outlined by the Global Soil Partnership under FAO frameworks.

Quantitative results from field research further validate these policies. Studies on maize growth in U.S. production fields showed that applying a humic-based product increased grain mass by an average of 6.5%, and improved stover weight by a similar margin across multiple seasons. In saline soil trials, humic acid applications led to dramatic yield improvements of 22.3% in the first season, with sustained gains across subsequent plantings. These documented yield increases have strengthened the case for policy-driven adoption of humic acid in farming subsidies and extension services.

Another statistical example comes from soil science research: over 20 years of humus accumulation in managed fields was associated with a 136% increase in soil cation exchange capacity—from 11 to 26 meq per 100g of soil—demonstrating long-term benefits for nutrient retention and availability. Such data aligns closely with government goals to rehabilitate degraded lands and enhance farm productivity sustainably.

Restraints

High cost and limited awareness slow humic acid adoption

One significant obstacle for humic acid expansion lies in its cost and farmers’ limited awareness of its benefits. Producing humic acid requires complex extraction, purification, and drying steps that drive up expenses. These costs make humic acid-based fertilizers noticeably more expensive than conventional chemical options. For many smallholder farmers, especially in developing countries, the upfront price difference is a real barrier—even if long-term soil and yield benefits exist

The financial gap is especially felt during planting. Chemical fertilizers can deliver fast results in days; humic acid effects tend to be slower and cumulative. This mismatch in farmer expectations can discourage its use. Moreover, agricultural programs frequently prioritize quick-yield products. As a result, humic acid products must compete not only on cost but also on visibility and perceived impact.

Addressing these gaps requires two complementary actions. First, governments and NGOs could offer subsidies specifically for organic amendments. Second, training programs through extension services and farmer cooperatives must demonstrate humic acid’s real-world benefits. Pilot plots showing yield improvements, improved water use, or soil structure gains can help convince farmers.

Opportunity

Greater crop efficiency via improved nitrogen use presents a prime growth opportunity

One significant growth opportunity for humic acid lies in its proven capacity to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and crop output. A peer-reviewed study published in Agronomy found that adding humic acid to standard fertilisation regimens boosted crop yield by 12%, increased nitrogen uptake by 17%, and raised nitrogen use efficiency by an impressive 27% under field conditions. This data is particularly relevant to crops grown in regions with annual rainfall above 300mm and moderate soil pH levels—typical of much of India, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Governments are increasingly aligning agricultural subsidies and extension programs to support such efficiency gains. For instance, India’s National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture promotes soil health enhancement and efficient fertiliser use under its Soil Health Management component. These initiatives encourage technologies like humic acid that reduce fertiliser dependence while maintaining yield. This alignment between public policy and agronomic benefit positions humic acid as a timely solution for sustainable intensification.

When farmers see that humic acid can reduce nitrogen run-off and lower input costs while improving yield, uptake tends to accelerate. This has been noted in trials on cash crops and upland cereals where humic supplements consistently outperformed controls in nitrogen-limited soils. As environmental regulations tighten and fertiliser prices remain volatile, humic acid’s dual potential to boost productivity and mitigate environmental impact becomes increasingly attractive.

Trends

Precision farming and digital tools reshape humic acid use in 2025

A major trend in the humic acid sector is the growing integration of digital agriculture technologies into its application—without any guesswork, farmers now apply humic acid with pinpoint accuracy. In North America, liquid humic acid is increasingly used alongside artificial intelligence (AI) and soil-moisture IoT sensors. These systems guide precise dosages directly to fields that need it, optimizing plant response and limiting waste. Instead of broad, blanket application, humic acid is delivered where and when it’s most effective—this is truly modern farming.

Governments are stepping in to ensure this momentum stays on track. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) has funded trials combining humic acid and nitrogen fertilizer, demonstrating reduced fertilizer use and improved yield efficiency. In Europe, guidelines under FAO and UNEP encourage nutrient management systems that integrate humic amendments with real-time monitoring tools, helping curb runoff and greenhouse-gas emissions.

Farmers report that using sensor-guided humic acid can improve nitrogen uptake and soil carbon retention while keeping application rates both efficient and environmentally sound. This aligns with the broader policy goal of reducing chemical footprint in agriculture. Digital tools also allow traceability—farmers can map exactly where humic acid was used, providing data for audits and sustainability payments.

Regional Analysis

Europe leads with a 42.2% share and a market value of USD 240 million in 2024

In 2024, the Humic Acid Market in Europe held a commanding 42.2% regional share, equating to an approximate value of USD 240 million, and positioned the region as the global leader in both adoption and growth momentum. This dominance is underpinned by Europe’s heightened emphasis on sustainable agriculture and organic farming practices—a direction strongly endorsed by the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

Agbest Technology, founded in 2002 in Beijing with 51–200 employees, specialises in humic substances with an annual production capacity of 50,000 MT of leonardite-derived humic and fulvic acids plus an additional 20,000 MT of organic granular products and 25,000 kL of liquid formulations. Its facilities support R&D and commercial-scale three product types—powder, granular, and liquid—designed for agricultural and horticultural use under international standards and environmental compliance.

Agriculture Solutions Inc., based in Canada, offers humic and fulvic acid fertilizers tailored for field, hydroponic, and greenhouse use. Their products aim to enhance soil microbiology, nitrogen availability, and nutrient cycling. They provide starter and micronutrient blends that work alongside humic materials to support plant growth, optimize manure efficiency, and mitigate salt stress—catering to both conventional agronomists and organic growers aiming for healthier crop systems .

Arctech Inc. produces the actosol® humic acid fertilizer derived from lignite and approved by OMRI and USDA-NOP for organic farming. Their actosol line binds nutrients—approximately 24% N, 45% P, and 40% K—within humic/fulvic matrices, enhancing plant uptake and reducing leaching. Additional innovation includes HUMASORB™ for soil remediation and enhanced nutrient distribution—reflecting the firm’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental management.

Top Key Players in the Market

• Agbest Technology Co. Limited
• Agriculture Solutions Inc.
• Arctech Inc.
• Aries Agro Limited
• Biolchim S.p.A.
• Black Earth Humic LP
• Changsha Xian Shan Yuan Agriculture and Technology Co., Ltd.
• Cifo Srl
• Daymsa
• Faust Bio-Agricultural Services, Inc.
• Grow More, Inc.
• Haifa Chemicals Ltd.
• Humic Growth Solutions, Inc.
• Humintech GmbH
• Merck KGaA
• Sikko Industries Ltd.

Recent Developments

Agbest Technology Co. Limited is a major Chinese supplier of humic substances, with an annual production capacity of 50,000 MT of leonardite-derived humic and fulvic acids, 20,000 MT of organic granular products, and 25,000 kL of liquid humic formulations.

In 2024, Aries Agro Limited strengthened its position in the humic acid market through its standout gel formulation, HumiBlack, which contains 12 % humic acid blended with seaweed extract.

Report Scope