NPK

[ en-pee-key ]

abbreviation for

1. Horticulture. a ratio of percentages of the three nutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—that are especially important in a plant fertilizer. A fertilizer’s NPK is given as a series of three numbers, for example, 24–6–6, which means the content is 24 percent nitrogen, 6 percent phosphorus, and 6 percent potassium, so the NPK expressed as a simple ratio is 4:1:1.

Word History and Origins

Origin of NPK¹

First recorded in 1900–05; from the chemical symbols for nitrogen ( def ) (N), phosphorus ( def ) (P), and potassium ( def ) (K)

Example Sentences

Because organic fertilizers like fish emulsion have very low concentrations of nitrogen and other elements, he recommends a monthly application of a water-soluble food labeled with a 20-20-20 NPK ratio instead.

From Seattle Times

French car parts maker Valeo said on Tuesday it had signed an agreement to sell its thermal systems production assets in Russia to NPK Avtopribor for an undisclosed sum.

From Reuters

French car parts maker Valeo said on Tuesday it had signed an agreement to sell its thermal systems production assets in Russia to NPK Avtopribor for an undisclosed sum.

From Reuters

Pupuk Kaltim would also build a 100,000 tonne NPK fertiliser plant in Bontang, East Kalimantan, where it is based, he said.

From Reuters

The firm currently makes 2.7 million tonnes of ammonia, 3.4 million tonnes of urea and 350,000 tonnes NPK fertiliser per year, making it among the Asia-Pacific's biggest producers.

From Reuters