What does the cryptic crossword clue "As a beanpole is set to absorb two fertiliser elements (5)" mean?

The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). NK (synonym="chemical symbols for nitrogen and potassium, ‘two fertiliser elements’") in LAY (synonym="‘set’") = LANKY The answer is LANKY.

As a beanpole is set to absorb two fertiliser elements (5)

Guardian Cryptic #29357 | 23 Down | 2024-04-15 flower

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