The Principle of the Most Limiting Nutrient

For example: In the dry season, phosphorus is the third most limiting nutrient, therefore while it is still important, the protein and energy deficiencies as the first and second most limiting nutrients must be met before any results from phosphorus supplementation will be significantly noticeable.

Once the most limiting nutrient requirement is met, a sometimes dramatic improvement may be seen in the form of compensatory growth. Once the first nutrient requirement is met, another nutrient will become the most limiting.