To investigate the absorption and distribution of nitrogen（ N ), phosphorus（ P） and potassium（ K） in Atractylodes macrocephala by field experiment.The samples of Atractylodes macrocephala were carried out in different growing periods,and the amount of dry matter and the contents of N,P and K in different parts of the plant were determined,respectively.The results showed that one-year-old Atractylodes macrocephala of budding stage and rhizome swelling stage were the key period of rapid nutrient absorption, and the absorbed nutrient element mainly allocated to the aerial part. For the two-year-old Atractylodes macrocephala, flowering stage was the key period of rapid nutrient absorption, and the absorbed nutrient element mainly allocated to the rhizome. The average N,P2O5 and K2O absorption per 100 kg rhizome product in two-year-old Atractylodes macrocephala were 2. 65,0. 91 and 2. 16 kg, respectively.In addition to the appropriate base fertilizer, one-year-old Atractylodes macrocephala cultivation should pay attention to the topdressing during the budding stage and the rhizome swelling stage, while the two-year-old Atractylodes macrocephala cultivation should pay attention to the topdressing during the flowering stage.