TerraCottem universal - soil conditioner for landscaping, horticulture and agriculture
A strong start. Vigorous growth. Lasting results.
One soil conditioner, from landscape planting to nursery and crop production. Give plants and crops a stronger start and get more reliable results, even when growing conditions are less than ideal.
Mix TerraCottem universal into the soil or growing medium once, at planting or before seeding. Its components work together in the root zone to store and release water, supply nutrients and stimulate root development. Together, these actions help plants establish more reliably and grow more vigorously, so you can spend less on replacements and use less irrigation water.
Combined action in the root zone
TerraCottem universal’s components have a greater effect on plant growth together than they do separately. In the trial shown below, about 21% of the total growth response was attributed to the way the components worked together.
Impact of TerraCottem universal on plant growth
| Relative contribution of individual component groups and their combined effect to maize biomass production. |
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In this trial, the effect of TerraCottem universal and its individual component groups on maize fresh weight biomass production was evaluated. |
Components and their roles
- Growth precursors stimulate root development and early growth.
- Water-absorbing polymers retain water and make it available to roots between watering or rainfall.
- Fertilisers with trace elements supply nutrients to support establishment and growth.
- Volcanic lava serves as the mineral carrier. It is selected for its physical and chemical properties and its contribution to formulation stability.
Watch the product video:
What this means for your project or crop
- Use up to 50% less irrigation water. TerraCottem universal stores water and releases it as the soil or growing medium dries, helping plants cope with dry spells.
- Get more vigorous growth from the start. Better access to water and nutrients supports early growth in plants and crops.
- Spend less on replacements and replanting. Stronger roots help plants establish more reliably and improve survival, so there are fewer losses to replace.
👉 See how TerraCottem stores water, with practical examples
Suitable for
- Trees, shrubs and hedges
- Flower beds and perennial planting
- Lawns
- Pots, planters and hanging baskets
- Roof gardens and green roofs
- Reforestation and land restoration
- Horticulture and agriculture
How do I use it?
When to apply: At planting or before seeding or laying turf.
Application frequency: Once, mixed evenly into the root zone.
- Use the application rates below to calculate how much TerraCottem universal you need.
- Mix TerraCottem universal evenly into the soil or growing medium where the roots will develop.
- Plant, seed or lay turf, then water thoroughly.
Do not leave the product on the surface or place it in a separate layer.
Maintain appropriate watering and aftercare during establishment. Afterwards, adjust irrigation to the plants’ needs, growing conditions and moisture levels.
How much TerraCottem universal do I use?
| Application | Standard rate | How to incorporate |
|---|---|---|
| Trees, shrubs and hedges | 1.5 g per litre of backfill soil | Mix evenly into the soil used to refill the planting hole around the roots or rootball. |
| Flower beds and lawns | 100 g/m² | Mix evenly into the top 20 cm of soil before planting, seeding or laying turf. |
| Growing medium for beds and lawns, mixed off-site | 500 g/m³ | Mix evenly throughout the growing medium before installation. |
| Pots, planters, hanging baskets and living walls | 5 g per litre of growing medium | Mix evenly throughout the growing medium before filling the containers or living wall modules. |
| Extensive roof and podium gardens | 500 g/m³ of growing medium | Mix evenly throughout the growing medium before installation. |
| Intensive roof and podium gardens | 1.5 kg/m³ of growing medium | Mix evenly throughout the growing medium before installation. |
For horticulture and agriculture, request application advice based on the planting or seeding system and growing conditions.
Direct link: Get application advice for your crop or planting system (naar webform voor technisch advise)
Practical guides:
👉 Preparing and planting flower beds with TerraCottem
👉 Potting annual flowers with TerraCottem
How far does one pack go?
Approximate coverage at the standard application rates. For trees, the number you can plant depends on the size of the planting holes.
| Application | 20 kg bag | 10 kg tub | 5 kg tub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reforestation trees | 1,000 trees | 500 trees | 250 trees |
| Fruit trees | 100 trees | 50 trees | 25 trees |
| Flower beds and lawns | 200 m² | 100 m² | 50 m² |
| Growing medium for beds and lawns, mixed off-site | 40 m³ | 20 m³ | 10 m³ |
| Growing medium for pots, planters, hanging baskets and living walls | 4,000 L | 2,000 L | 1,000 L |
| 20 L pots (100 g per pot) | 200 pots | 100 pots | 50 pots |
| Growing medium for extensive roof and podium gardens | 40 m³ | 20 m³ | 10 m³ |
| Growing medium for intensive roof and podium gardens | 13.3 m³ | 6.7 m³ | 3.3 m³ |
TerraCottem universal in practice
Vigorous growth in a garden exposed to salt and wind
Strong winds, airborne salt and nutrient-poor sandy soil made this coastal garden in the Bahamas a challenging place for plants to establish. TerraCottem was mixed into the soil at planting to help it hold water and nutrients. Just a year after planting, the transformation was striking: palms and trees had put on substantial growth, shrubs had filled out the beds, and the Zoysia lawn had knit together into a dense green cover.
| Left: Just after planting was completed | Right: About one year after planting |
Municipal flower displays: from five watering rounds a week to three
| Hanging baskets and floral sculptures can be demanding to water, especially in summer. In Pforzheim, Germany, the city reported three waterings per week with TerraCottem, compared with five without it. During the hottest months, staff spent 28% less time watering, a saving of approximately 54 staff hours per week. |
Rooftop planting at Argenta, Antwerp, Belgium
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On rooftops, plants often have a limited volume of growing medium, and access for watering and maintenance can be difficult. Landscape architect Nadine Wiggers explains why she incorporates TerraCottem into the growing medium and describes how it was used at Argenta’s Antwerp headquarters, where the planting included rooftop gardens, green walls and transplanted mature apple trees. 👉 Read the interview with rooftop garden specialist Nadine Wiggers. |
Which TerraCottem should I choose?
TerraCottem universal is the versatile option for varied planting projects.
- For work focused specifically on trees and shrubs, see TerraCottem arbor.
- For ornamental lawns and sports turf, see TerraCottem turf.