From Lab to Field: How Micronutrients Are Shaping Modern Ag
August 25, 2025 For an industry that measures its history in millennia, agriculture continues to advance both above and below the ground. In the past few decades, the understanding and importance of micronutrients has continued to grow. CropLife Media Group interviewed Kuide Qin, Chief Science Officer, Verdesian Life Sciences, to see how micronutrients are changing agriculture and producing healthier crops.
CropLife: What were your expectations for micronutrients in 2025 and were they met?
Kuide Qin: We expected continued growth in 2025, especially as growers sought to maximize returns per acre. That expectation was largely met, though tempered by regional variability. The market showed resilience, with strong adoption in high-value crops and among growers focused on yield optimization.
CL: What factors influenced how the micronutrient segment fared this year?
KQ: The impact of lower farm incomes, across all crop nutrition categories, cannot be denied. However, the ROI of micronutrients is helping to offset the impact of the macro environment.
CL: How has the role of micronutrients changed over the past couple of years?
KQ: Micronutrients have evolved from being viewed as supplemental to becoming essential components of a holistic fertility strategy. Growers increasingly recognize their role in improving nutrient use efficiency and crop resilience, especially under stress conditions. This shift is reflected in the growing adoption of technologies like MicroSync Prime and Premier, which offer targeted performance.
CL: How has the science behind micronutrients changed over the past several years?
KQ: The science has progressed toward smarter, more precise, more sustainable forms of micronutrient delivery over the past several years. We have seen a strong uptick in bio-based, chelated, or certified organic micronutrient solutions like Crop+ Organic and the Polyamine line of products that support regenerative ag goals.
CL: Has artificial intelligence had an influence on the micronutrient segment, and if so, how?
KQ: AI is beginning to influence how we model nutrient uptake, forecast demand, and tailor recommendations. It’s helping us move from generalized application to precision-guided strategies that further optimize ROI.
CL: What trends are currently driving the micronutrients marketplace?
KQ: Key trends include the push for sustainability, precision agriculture, and the need to do more with less. Growers are seeking solutions that improve nutrient efficiency and reduce environmental impact. There’s also a growing interest in combining micronutrients with biologicals and biostimulants to unlock synergistic benefits.
CL: What are the biggest challenges to growing the micronutrient market?
KQ: Market education and awareness remains a hurdle. Many growers still view micronutrients as optional rather than essential.
CL: What are the biggest opportunities for the micronutrient market?
KQ: The market opportunities center on digital integration, eco-friendly formulations, and scaling impact with customized services to match localized ag practices. Real-time rapid testing platforms, advanced formulations and tailored services will drive adoption and growth of the micronutrient market.
CL: What are your expectations for the 2026 season?
KQ: We expect the macroeconomic environment to be largely the same as this year. Our focus will be on expanding our footprint in high-potential regions, launching new technologies, and deepening partnerships with distributors and retailers.
CL: What else do our readers need to know about the micronutrient market?
KQ: Micronutrients are no longer a “nice to have” — they’re a strategic lever for yield, quality, and sustainability. As the ag economy becomes more complex, growers who embrace integrated nutrient strategies will be better positioned to thrive.
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