Potassium deficiency made worse by
- Acidic soils (low pH)
 - Sandy or light soils (leaching)
 - Drought conditions
 - High rainfall (leaching)
 - or heavy irrigation
 - Heavy clay (illite) soils
 - Soils with low K reserves
 - Magnesium rich soils
 
Potassium is important for
- Respiration, photosynthesis and water regulation
 - Transport and accumulation of sugars in the plant
 - High effect on yield and fruit quality
 - Increase of crop height, girth, leaf growth and number of fruit per plant
 - Improves pulp content and fruit size