Update date: Jul 16, 2026 | 251 Pages | Report ID: BC-A-008181
pH Buffering Adjuvants Market
DMA IntelligencepH Buffering Adjuvants Market 2026: Primary Research + Expert Analysis
Segments: Product Type (Acidic Buffering Agents, Alkaline Buffering Agents, Neutral Buffering Agents), Application (Crop Protection Chemicals, Fertilizers, Biologicals, Others), Crop Type (Cereals & Grains, Fruits & Vegetables, Oilseeds & Pulses, Others), Formulation (Liquid, Powder, Granular), Distribution Channel (Direct Sales, Distributors, Online Retail), By Region, And Segment Forecasts
$1230.0M
Market Size, 2025
$1313.6M
Market Estimate, 2026
$2082.0M
Market Forecast, 2033
6.8%
CAGR, 2026–2033
pH Buffering Adjuvants Market Size, Share & Key Insights
The pH Buffering Adjuvants Market size was valued at USD 1.23 in 2025, and the market is projected to grow from USD 1.31 in 2026 to USD 2.08 by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.8%% during the forecast period 2026–2033. North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, MEA led the global market in 2025.
Study Overview
 Study Period | 2021 - 2033 |
 Base Year | 2025 |
 Estimated Year | 2026 |
 Forecast Period | 2026-2033 |
 Historical Range | 2021-2025 |
| Units | USD Million |
 Coverage | Global | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa |
 Deliverables | PDF + Excel Data Pack |
Major Market Players
Key Takeaways: pH Buffering Adjuvants Market
- In 2025, the global pH Buffering Adjuvants market size was estimated to be USD 1230.00 Million
- Projected to grow at a 6.8% CAGR, reaching a valuation of USD 2136.65 Million by 2033
- The Herbicides category accounted for the highest market share of 35.0% within the Application segment
- Fungicides captured a substantial 25.0% of the total revenue in 2025
- Regionally, North America emerged as the top market, generating USD 450.00 Million and securing a 36.6% share
- Primary market growth drivers include increasing demand for crop protection products and rising adoption of precision agriculture
- Key industry player BASF SE strengthened its market position via strategic product development and global distribution network expansion
Market Definiton and Strategic Context
The pH Buffering Adjuvants Market refers to the global industry involved in the production and distribution of chemical additives designed to stabilize the pH of spray solutions in agricultural applications. These adjuvants are crucial for optimizing the efficacy of various crop protection products, including herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, which often perform best within a specific pH range. The market is driven by the increasing need for enhanced pesticide performance, growing awareness among farmers about the importance of spray water quality, and the expansion of precision agriculture practices. In 2025, the global pH Buffering Adjuvants market size was estimated to be USD 1230.00 Million. The market is witnessing significant industry expansion, propelled by advancements in adjuvant technology and the rising demand for high-quality agricultural outputs. The growth outlook for the pH Buffering Adjuvants market is positive, with continuous innovation in product formulations and an emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices. Market participants are focusing on developing more environmentally friendly and effective buffering agents to cater to evolving regulatory landscapes and farmer preferences. The market forecast indicates a steady upward trajectory, reflecting the integral role these adjuvants play in modern crop management strategies to ensure optimal pesticide activity and prevent degradation due. This includes solutions that address water hardness, alkalinity, and other factors that can negatively impact spray mixture stability and active ingredient integrity. As agricultural practices become more sophisticated and the pressure to maximize yield increases, the adoption of pH buffering adjuvants is expected to accelerate, contributing significantly to the overall market growth and efficiency in global food production systems.
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size value in 2025 | USD 1,230.00 Million |
| Revenue forecast in 2033 | USD 2,081.97 Million |
| Growth rate | CAGR of 6.8% from 2025 to 2033 |
| Actual data | 2021 - 2024 |
| Forecast period | 2025 - 2033 |
| Quantitative units | Revenue in USD Million and CAGR from 2025 to 2033 |
| Report coverage | Revenue forecast, company share, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
| Segments covered | Product Type, Application, Crop Type, Formulation, Distribution Channel |
| Regional scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Rest of Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
| Country scope | United States; Canada; Germany; France; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; China; Japan; South Korea; India; Australia; South East Asia (SEA; All; Mexico; Brazil; Rest of Latin America; Saudi Arabia; South Africa; United Arab Emirates; Rest of Middle East & Africa |
| Key companies profiled | BASF SE; DowDuPont Inc.; Evonik Industries AG; Solvay S.A.; Clariant AG; Huntsman Corporation; Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals); Croda International Plc; Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC; Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC; WinField United; Brandt Consolidated, Inc.; Loveland Products, Inc.; CHS Inc.; Precision Laboratories, LLC; Plant Health Technologies; Miller Chemical & Fertilizer, LLC; KALO, Inc.; GarrCo Products Inc.; Sipcam Agro USA, Inc. |
| Customization scope | Free report customization (equivalent to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
| Pricing and purchase options | Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
Growth Catalysts & Market Constraints
The pH Buffering Adjuvants market is experiencing robust growth driven by several interconnected factors, while simultaneously navigating various restraints and challenges. The overall pH Buffering Adjuvants market size is expanding due to the increasing global demand for food, which in turn necessitates more efficient and effective crop protection strategies. This growth forecast is underpinned by the continuous innovation in agricultural practices and the imperative to maximize crop yields amidst shrinking arable land and changing climatic conditions. The market dynamics are also influenced by evolving regulatory frameworks regarding pesticide application and environmental safety, pushing manufacturers to develop more advanced and eco-friendly adjuvant solutions. Furthermore, the rising adoption of precision agriculture techniques, which require precise and optimized application of agrochemicals, significantly contributes to the demand for pH buffering adjuvants. Understanding these intricate dynamics is crucial for stakeholders aiming to capitalize on the market's potential and mitigate emerging risks. The industry is also seeing a shift towards integrated pest management (IPM) systems, where adjuvants play a critical role in enhancing the selectivity and reducing the overall dosage of pesticides, aligning with sustainable agricultural goals.
Growth Drivers
- Increasing global demand for crop protection products: The rising population and subsequent need for increased food production are driving the demand for effective crop protection solutions, where pH buffering adjuvants play a crucial role in enhancing the efficacy and stability of pesticides, thus maximizing yield and minimizing crop losses across diverse agricultural landscapes.
- Growing adoption of precision agriculture and advanced farming techniques: Modern agricultural practices emphasize optimal resource utilization and targeted application of agrochemicals. pH buffering adjuvants are integral to these techniques, ensuring that herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides perform effectively by maintaining the ideal pH of spray solutions, thereby improving overall farm productivity and sustainability.
Restraints
- Lack of awareness among small-scale farmers regarding the benefits of pH buffering adjuvants: Many small-holder farmers, particularly in developing regions, remain unaware of the significant benefits these adjuvants offer in terms of improving pesticide efficacy and reducing costs associated with re-application. This knowledge gap limits market penetration and adoption rates, especially where traditional farming methods prevail.
- High initial investment and fluctuating raw material prices: The cost of advanced pH buffering adjuvant formulations can be a barrier for some farmers, influencing purchasing decisions. Furthermore, the market is susceptible to volatility in raw material prices, which can impact production costs and retail prices, thereby affecting profit margins for manufacturers and potentially deterring adoption.
Opportunities
- Development of innovative and eco-friendly pH buffering adjuvants: There is a significant opportunity for manufacturers to invest in R&D for novel, biodegradable, and sustainable adjuvant formulations that meet stringent environmental regulations and consumer preferences for eco-friendly agricultural inputs. These products can capture a growing segment of environmentally conscious growers and markets.
- Expansion into emerging agricultural markets: Regions such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa present vast untapped potential due to increasing mechanization of agriculture, rising awareness about modern farming techniques, and growing investments in agricultural infrastructure. Strategic market entry and localized product offerings can unlock substantial growth in these regions.
Challenges
- Stringent regulatory approvals and varying regional standards: The process of obtaining regulatory approvals for new adjuvant formulations can be complex, time-consuming, and costly, varying significantly across different countries and regions. This fragmented regulatory landscape poses a challenge for global market expansion and product standardization, leading to increased compliance burdens for manufacturers.
- Competition from generic and low-cost adjuvant products: The market faces intense competition from local manufacturers offering cheaper, often less effective, generic adjuvants. This price pressure can erode profit margins for premium product providers and makes it challenging to differentiate superior quality and performance, especially in price-sensitive markets.
Market Level Breakdown
The pH Buffering Adjuvants market segmentation by Application highlights the diverse uses of these crucial agricultural inputs. Applications include Herbicides, Fungicides, Insecticides, Plant Growth Regulators, and Other crop protection products. Herbicides represent the largest segment, primarily due to the widespread need for weed control in various crops and the sensitivity of many herbicide active ingredients to water pH. Buffering adjuvants ensure that herbicides maintain optimal effectiveness, reducing waste and improving weed management efficiency. This dominance reflects the significant investment in weed control strategies globally, making it a critical driver for the overall pH Buffering Adjuvants market.
pH Buffering Adjuvants Segmentation Breakdown
- Product Type
- Acidic Buffering Agents
- Alkaline Buffering Agents
- Neutral Buffering Agents
- Application
- Crop Protection Chemicals
- Fertilizers
- Biologicals
- Others
- Crop Type
- Cereals & Grains
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Oilseeds & Pulses
- Others
- Formulation
- Liquid
- Powder
- Granular
- Distribution Channel
- Direct Sales
- Distributors
- Online Retail
Geographic Performance & Regional Trends
In 2025, North America emerged as the largest market for pH Buffering Adjuvants, driven by advanced agricultural practices, high adoption rates of precision farming, and significant investments in crop protection technologies. The region's focus on maximizing yield and optimizing input efficiency contributes to its leading position in the pH Buffering Adjuvants market growth. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing market, primarily due to expanding agricultural lands, increasing awareness among farmers about modern agricultural inputs, and rising demand for food security in countries like China and India. These regions are characterized by a growing population and a strong push towards modernizing farming techniques, which directly fuels the regional forecast for pH buffering adjuvants.
Regional Growth Drivers
- North America: The region benefits from highly mechanized agriculture, widespread adoption of advanced farming technologies, and a strong emphasis on product efficacy and environmental stewardship. Farmers in the United States and Canada readily integrate pH buffering adjuvants to optimize pesticide performance, ensuring maximum return on investment for high-value crops and adhering to strict regulatory standards.
- Europe: Stringent regulations concerning pesticide application and environmental impact, coupled with a focus on sustainable agriculture, drive the demand for efficient adjuvant solutions. Countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are investing in research and development to enhance crop protection, promoting the use of pH buffering adjuvants to improve active ingredient stability and reduce chemical runoff.
- Asia Pacific: Rapid agricultural modernization, increasing population, and government initiatives to boost food production are key drivers. In countries like China, India, and Australia, there's a growing awareness among farmers about the benefits of adjuvants in improving pesticide effectiveness and reducing crop losses, leading to higher adoption rates and significant market expansion.
- Latin America: The expansion of arable land, particularly for cash crops like soybeans and corn, and the rising adoption of advanced agricultural techniques contribute to market growth. Countries such as Brazil and Mexico are witnessing increased investment in crop protection, where pH buffering adjuvants are essential for optimizing the performance of agrochemicals in varied climatic conditions.
- Middle East & Africa: Efforts to enhance food security, modernize farming practices, and overcome challenging environmental conditions are propelling the market. Governments and agricultural enterprises in countries like Saudi Arabia and South Africa are focusing on improving water quality for agricultural sprays, leading to increased demand for pH buffering adjuvants to ensure effective crop protection.
The regional trajectories for pH Buffering Adjuvants indicate a clear divergence between mature and emerging markets. While North America and Europe will continue to innovate and refine existing solutions, the Asia Pacific and Latin American regions are poised for significant volumetric growth, driven by expansion of cultivated areas and increasing adoption of modern farming practices. This dynamic shift necessitates tailored strategies for suppliers, focusing on product localization and distribution network development in high-growth areas, while emphasizing value-added services and advanced formulations in established markets to maintain competitive edge.
Competitive Insights & Leading Companies
The pH Buffering Adjuvants competitive landscape is characterized by a moderately consolidated structure, with a mix of large multinational chemical companies and specialized adjuvant manufacturers vying for market share. Key players leverage extensive global distribution networks, robust R&D capabilities, and strong customer relationships to maintain their competitive edge. The market sees competition primarily based on product efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to meet evolving regulatory standards. Global players like BASF SE, DowDuPont Inc., and Evonik Industries AG benefit from their broad portfolios of agricultural solutions and integrated supply chains, allowing them to offer comprehensive packages to farmers and agricultural cooperatives. Regional players, on the other hand, often focus on specialized formulations tailored to local crop types and climatic conditions, capitalizing on niche markets and localized support. Pricing strategies vary, with premium products commanding higher prices due to superior performance and innovative features, while generic alternatives compete on cost. Distribution channels are critical, with direct sales, distributors, and retailer networks all playing a vital role in reaching end-users. The continuous need for product innovation to address new pest challenges and improve environmental profiles is a key competitive lever, alongside obtaining necessary regulatory approvals and certifications that assure product safety and performance to growers.
Leading companies in the pH Buffering Adjuvants market are actively pursuing various strategies to enhance their market position and drive growth. Mergers and acquisitions are common, allowing companies to expand their product portfolios, acquire new technologies, and strengthen their regional presence. Strategic partnerships and collaborations with agrochemical manufacturers and research institutions are also prevalent, facilitating the development of integrated solutions and market access. Product launches focusing on advanced, eco-friendly, and highly effective buffering agents are critical for differentiation. Companies are investing heavily in R&D to develop novel formulations that offer improved stability, compatibility with a wider range of pesticides, and reduced environmental impact. Differentiation is achieved through superior product performance, technical support services, and strong brand recognition built on reliability and efficacy. Some players emphasize customization options to meet specific farmer needs, while others focus on optimizing their supply chain to achieve cost advantages. However, the industry faces challenges such as margin pressure due to intense competition and the commoditization of basic adjuvant products. Compliance costs associated with evolving environmental regulations also pose a significant burden, requiring continuous investment in testing and certification. Supply chain risks, including raw material availability and geopolitical factors, further complicate operational planning and market stability for all participants in the pH Buffering Adjuvants key players ecosystem.
pH Buffering Adjuvants Key Companies
- BASF SE
- DowDuPont Inc.
- Evonik Industries AG
- Solvay S.A.
- Clariant AG
- Huntsman Corporation
- Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals)
- Croda International Plc
- Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC
- Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC
- WinField United
- Brandt Consolidated, Inc.
- Loveland Products, Inc.
- CHS Inc.
- Precision Laboratories, LLC
- Plant Health Technologies
- Miller Chemical & Fertilizer, LLC
- KALO, Inc.
- GarrCo Products Inc.
- Sipcam Agro USA, Inc.
pH Buffering Adjuvants Market Ecosystem
Ecosystem Participants
- Raw Material Suppliers — provide essential chemicals and compounds, such as organic acids, surfactants, and polymers, which are critical for the formulation of pH buffering adjuvants. Their role involves ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality ingredients, managing logistical complexities, and adhering to strict quality control standards to meet the diverse needs of adjuvant manufacturers.
- These suppliers often engage in long-term contracts with manufacturers to ensure stable pricing and supply, mitigating risks associated with supply chain disruptions and raw material price volatility.
- Adjuvant Manufacturers — specialize in the research, development, formulation, and production of various pH buffering adjuvants. They innovate to create products that enhance pesticide efficacy, improve spray solution stability, and adhere to environmental regulations. Their core function includes product testing, quality assurance, and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of agrochemicals.
- Manufacturers also focus on developing sustainable and biodegradable options, responding to market demands for eco-friendly agricultural inputs and navigating complex global regulatory landscapes.
- Agrochemical Companies — integrate pH buffering adjuvants into their broader crop protection solutions or recommend specific adjuvants for use with their pesticides. They often collaborate with adjuvant manufacturers to develop synergistic products that optimize performance and broaden their market offerings, providing comprehensive solutions to farmers.
- Their role extends to educating end-users about the proper application and benefits of these combined products, thereby driving adoption and ensuring effective crop management strategies.
- Distributors and Retailers — form the crucial link between manufacturers and end-users, handling warehousing, logistics, and sales of pH buffering adjuvants. They provide market access, technical support, and product information to farmers and agricultural cooperatives. Their extensive networks are essential for broad market penetration and timely product availability.
- These intermediaries also play a vital role in inventory management, providing feedback from the ground to manufacturers, and offering tailored solutions based on regional agricultural practices and needs.
- Farmers and Growers — the ultimate end-users of pH buffering adjuvants, who apply these products to enhance the effectiveness of their crop protection programs. Their purchasing decisions are influenced by factors such as product performance, cost-effectiveness, crop type, and local environmental conditions. Their feedback drives innovation and product improvement.
- Their adoption of advanced farming techniques and increasing awareness of spray water quality directly impact the demand for and evolution of pH buffering adjuvant solutions in the market.
- Research Institutions and Academia — conduct fundamental and applied research on adjuvant chemistry, efficacy, and environmental impact. They contribute to the scientific understanding of pH buffering mechanisms and help develop new, more sustainable formulations. Their findings often inform regulatory policies and industry best practices.
- These organizations also play a role in training agricultural professionals and disseminating knowledge about optimal adjuvant use, influencing future product development and market trends.
- Regulatory Bodies and Government Agencies — establish and enforce standards for the production, labeling, and use of agricultural adjuvants. Their role is critical in ensuring product safety, environmental protection, and fair market practices. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory for all market participants.
- These bodies continuously review and update guidelines, influencing product innovation and market entry strategies for new pH buffering adjuvant formulations.
Report Coverage & Key Deliverables
The report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the pH Buffering Adjuvants, combining quantitative data with qualitative insights to provide a holistic view of the market's current state and future trajectory. This in-depth study is designed to equip stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, investors, and agricultural businesses, with critical information for strategic decision-making. It meticulously breaks down the market by various segments, offering detailed revenue analyses and growth projections, enabling users to identify high-potential areas and emerging trends. Furthermore, the report provides extensive regional and country-level insights, highlighting key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges specific to each geographic landscape. The competitive benchmarking section offers a granular understanding of the leading players' strategies, product portfolios, and market positioning, facilitating informed competitive intelligence. By integrating historical data with robust forecasts, the report serves as an invaluable tool for market entry strategies, product development, investment planning, and risk assessment, ensuring a clear and actionable understanding of the pH Buffering Adjuvants market dynamics and growth opportunities.
Report Coverage
- Market Size Estimates (historical and forecast)
- Our market size estimates span from 2021 to 2033, providing a detailed historical analysis alongside robust forecasts. These estimates are derived through a rigorous methodology combining primary research with secondary data validation, ensuring accuracy and reliability for strategic planning.
- Detailed Segmentation And Revenue Analysis
- The report offers an exhaustive segmentation of the pH Buffering Adjuvants market by Application, including Herbicides, Fungicides, Insecticides, Plant Growth Regulators, and Others. Each segment is analyzed for its revenue contribution, growth trends, and future potential, providing a granular view of market opportunities and competitive dynamics.
- Regional And Country-Level Insights
- Comprehensive insights are provided for key regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, as well as major countries within these regions. This analysis highlights market maturity, growth drivers, regulatory landscapes, and consumer preferences, enabling a comparative understanding of regional market dynamics.
- Competitive Benchmarking Of Key Players
- A thorough competitive analysis profiles leading companies in the pH Buffering Adjuvants market, examining their strategic initiatives, product innovations, market share, and distribution channels. This section helps stakeholders understand the competitive intensity and identify potential partners or acquisition targets, offering insights into industry best practices.
- Customization Options Based on Specific Requirements
- We offer flexible customization options to tailor the report to specific client needs, such as adding detailed analysis for a particular country or segment, profiling additional companies, or focusing on specific market trends. This ensures the report delivers maximum relevance and actionable intelligence for unique business objectives.
Recent Industry Insights
In the past 12-18 months, the pH Buffering Adjuvants industry trends have been largely shaped by a renewed focus on sustainability and enhanced product efficacy. Key players have intensified their R&D efforts, leading to the launch of several new biodegradable and low-toxicity formulations designed to meet evolving environmental regulations and consumer demands for greener agricultural practices. Partnerships between adjuvant manufacturers and agrochemical giants have become more common, aiming to develop integrated spray solutions that optimize active ingredient performance and reduce overall chemical usage. There's also been a notable increase in the adoption of digital agriculture platforms, which are beginning to integrate recommendations for specific adjuvant use based on real-time water quality data. Furthermore, investments in expanding manufacturing capacities in Asia Pacific reflect the region's burgeoning agricultural sector and its critical role in the global pH Buffering Adjuvants market. These developments underscore the industry's commitment to innovation and its adaptive response to global agricultural challenges.
Key Market Developments
- October 2024: BASF SE launched a new generation of pH buffering adjuvants designed for enhanced compatibility with a wider range of herbicides, improving application efficiency for farmers globally.
- August 2024: Evonik Industries AG announced a strategic partnership with a leading agricultural technology firm to integrate smart adjuvant recommendations into precision farming platforms, optimizing spray solutions based on real-time field conditions.
- June 2024: Nouryon expanded its production capabilities for agricultural specialties in Southeast Asia, aiming to meet the growing demand for high-performance adjuvants in the region's rapidly modernizing agricultural sector.
- April 2024: Croda International Plc introduced a new line of bio-based pH buffering adjuvants, emphasizing sustainable sourcing and reduced environmental footprint, aligning with global eco-friendly agricultural trends.
- February 2024: Precision Laboratories, LLC acquired a regional distributor in Latin America to strengthen its market presence and improve access to its advanced adjuvant technologies for local growers.
Analyst Opinion
The pH Buffering Adjuvants market presents an attractive investment opportunity, driven by the indispensable role these products play in maximizing the efficacy of crop protection chemicals. The market's attractiveness is further bolstered by the continuous global pressure to increase food production and the growing adoption of precision agriculture, which demands optimized input performance. Competitive intensity, while moderate, is characterized by a blend of innovation and strategic consolidation, with leading players focusing on developing advanced, eco-friendly formulations and expanding their global reach. The demand-supply balance remains robust, as the fundamental need for efficient pesticide application continues to rise, ensuring a steady market for buffering adjuvants. However, regional disparities in agricultural practices and regulatory frameworks mean that market participants must adopt localized strategies to effectively penetrate and grow in diverse geographies. The trend towards integrated pest management (IPM) also positively influences the market, as adjuvants help reduce chemical load while maintaining desired pest control levels, aligning with sustainability goals. Companies that can offer tailored solutions for specific crop-pesticide combinations and water chemistries will gain a significant competitive advantage in this evolving landscape, solidifying their position in the pH Buffering Adjuvants market outlook.
Looking ahead, the long-term outlook for the pH Buffering Adjuvants market is highly optimistic, underpinned by ongoing advancements in agricultural science and the increasing sophistication of farming techniques worldwide. The innovation landscape is vibrant, with significant R&D investments directed towards developing multifunctional adjuvants that not only buffer pH but also enhance spreading, penetration, and drift reduction. This drive for multifunctional solutions is expected to create new revenue streams and broaden product applications. Key risk factors include the fluctuating prices of raw materials, which can impact manufacturing costs and profit margins, and the evolving regulatory environment, particularly concerning the registration and use of certain chemical components. Geopolitical instabilities and trade disputes could also disrupt supply chains, posing operational challenges for global players. However, companies that prioritize sustainable product development, invest in robust distribution networks, and offer comprehensive technical support will be well-positioned to navigate these challenges. Strategic implications for market players include prioritizing partnerships with agrochemical companies to offer integrated solutions and focusing on educational initiatives to raise awareness among farmers about the long-term benefits and economic value of pH buffering adjuvants in modern agriculture.