This tropical plant grows best and produces better quality fruit at 22–32ºC. Pineapples prefer light soils, with good drainage and acidic pH at 4.5–6.  For a standard yield of 50–60 MT/ha, fertilization should range at 180-240; 50-70 and 350-450 kg/ha, for N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively. Pineapples need high levels of potassium. Pineapples are sensitive to chloride, therefore potassium chloride (MOP) should be excluded from the nutrition program. The root system of pineapple is very shallow, thus requiring a constant supply of nutrients. This nutrient uptake characteristic makes the use of controlled relase fertilizers ideal for this crop.