complete fertilizer

American  

noun

1. a fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three principal elements required for plant nutrition.

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Etymology

Origin of complete fertilizer

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Fertilize: In addition to adding complete fertilizer to the soil, use a soluble fertilizer like fish emulsion around transplants, especially early in the season or if the plants are not thriving.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2021

For complete fertilizer coverage, cut your application rate in half, then apply evenly in a crisscross manner.

From Time Magazine Archive

The so-called "complete" fertilizer that supplies some nitrogen with the two other plant-constituents.

From Crops and Methods for Soil Improvement by Agee, Alva

If your land needs fertilization, stable manure or a "complete fertilizer" of the dealers would be the proper thing to use.

From One Thousand Questions in California Agriculture Answered by Wickson, Edward J. (Edward James)

In that case a little with the burr clover seed will give the plant a good start, or use a complete fertilizer to secure the growth of a legume in the freest and quickest way.

From One Thousand Questions in California Agriculture Answered by Wickson, Edward J. (Edward James)