Eggplant requires high levels of potassium, and it removes potassium at a rate ~40% higher than nitrogen. Optimum growth temperature is 21–29 °C, with preferably little temperature variation. The crop develops a strong taproot with a branched root system that does not spread widely but responds positively to well drained soils of medium texture that are moderately deep. Good aeration is essential. Best eggplant mineral nutrition regime includes the use of CRFs, fertigation with fully-soluble fertilizers and foliar feeding.