The major nutrients are

Out of the 17 essential nutrients, a few of them are major nutrients and these are N (Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus) and K (Potassium). These are also termed as “Big 3” primary nutrients in commercial fertilizers.
Plants need significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to grow and develop. These help in vegetative growth in stems and roots particularly during the early stages, root growth, seed and flower formation, bud growth and ripening of fruits.