NPK fertilizers are a common type of plant nutrient formulation, each letter representing one of the primary elements necessary for healthy plant growth. Nitrogen (N) promotes leaf and stem development, phosphorus (P) is crucial for root growth and flowering, while potassium (K) helps in overall plant health, improving resistance to disease and stress. These fertilizers are often labeled with numbers indicating the percentage of each nutrient, such as 10-20-10, to help farmers and gardeners choose the right mix for their specific crop needs.