to fertilize the field

3.3

Add plant food to the soil so crops grow better

phrasal verb
/ˈfɜːrtəlaɪz ðə fiːld/

: fertilizar el campo

We should fertilize the field before planting.

Examples

Modern machines allow us to efficiently fertilize the field on large farms.
Farmers need to fertilize the field regularly.
After a soil test, they decided to fertilize the field with organic compost.
Farmers usually fertilize the field in spring to prepare for planting season.
Farmers often use compost to fertilize the field and enhance soil nutrients for better crop yields.
To ensure a successful season, it is crucial to fertilize the field well before planting any seeds.
In early spring, we plan to fertilize the field with organic materials to promote healthy growth.

Synonyms

to fertilize

vsto fertilize the field

12 3.4

To add plant food to soil or plants to help them grow

focuses on applying nutrients to a crop area outdoors

to enrich the soil

vsto fertilize the field

1 3.2

Add compost or other nutrients to soil to make it better for growing plants

aims more at supporting crop growth rather than general soil quality

to manure

vsto fertilize the field

1 4.8

To spread animal or plant waste on soil to help plants grow

describes adding nutrients more generally not only by this method

to impregnate the soil

vsto fertilize the field

Specialized

5.8

To add nutrients to soil so plants grow better

uses this idea specifically to support growing crops in farm areas

Antonyms

to deplete

13 6.3

To use up almost all of something so little is left

How Fertilized

to manure

1 4.8

to fertilize the field

3.3

to leave the field fallow

Specialized

7.7

Surface Forms

fertilize the field infinitive

fertilized the field past

fertilized the field past participle

fertilizing the field present participle

fertilizes the field third person singular

Morphology

fertilize + the + field

The meaning 'to add nutrients to soil' is directly and compositionally derived from the verb 'fertilize' (to add nutrients) plus the noun 'field' (a plot of land); the definite article 'the' is functionally irrelevant. This is a straightforward verb + noun event expressed similarly across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will readily understand the MWE.

Etymology

The phrase fertilize the field comes from simple farming: people would spread animal manure or compost across a field to give the soil 'food' so plants could grow better, and to fertilize meant to add that food. That's why today it means 'to add nutrients to soil to help crops grow'.