overfertilize

verb

over·​fer·​til·​ize ˌō-vər-ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce overfertilize (audio)
overfertilized; overfertilizing

transitive + intransitive

: to fertilize (something, such as a crop) more than is necessary or appropriate
… can grow in various habitats, including soil that has been overfertilized.Discover
Don't try to force it to grow where it's not suited, don't overwater, don't overfertilize and don't get so obsessed with having a weedless yard.Jim Auchmutey
Some manures … can be tilled directly into the soil without worry of overfertilizing.Brian Barth
overfertilization noun
plural overfertilizations
overfertilization can cause the plant to be in an undesirable state at time of harvest. Hal Lemmon
Though peonies are hearty feeders, avoid overfertilization, especially with nitrogen. Bob Polomski

Examples of overfertilize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Do not overfertilize plants. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overfertilize was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near overfertilize

Cite this Entry

“Overfertilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overfertilize. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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