The challenges facing turf professionals, landscapers, and sports ground contractors are shifting rapidly as the UK and many other parts of the world experience hotter, drier summers. According to the Met Office, this type of extreme weather is increasingly becoming the “new norm.” For those responsible for maintaining high-quality turf surfaces, whether sports pitches, polo grounds, or landscape projects, adapting to these conditions is essential.
We’ve found that one of the most effective product ranges to address these concerns is TerraCottem, a scientifically developed soil conditioner that Inturf is proud to supply as an authorised distributor. With over three decades of research and development behind it, TerraCottem has been widely adopted in countries with hotter climates due to its proven ability to improve soil quality, encourage stronger plant growth, and significantly reduce the need for irrigation by up to 50%.
We’ve recently been speaking with contractors on two major projects that highlight the real benefits of using TerraCottem in professional turf management – Dubai Polo Club in Maidenhead and a local football club in Norwich. Both project requirements demonstrate the value of the product in coping with changing weather conditions and the increasing pressure placed on natural turf.
Case Study – Dubai Polo Club
Polo fields require a stable, sandy rootzone that drains well, while also supporting turf resilient enough to withstand heavy use and provide a safe playing surface. In Maidenhead, these requirements are increasingly challenged by the UK’s changing climate – with three droughts in the past eight years, prolonged dry spells are becoming more common, making it harder to maintain consistent and safe ground conditions for play.
For the contractor overseeing this project, soil stability was the key concern. They specified TerraCottem due to its ability to enhance the soil’s structure and performance under such demanding conditions. By improving water retention, encouraging deeper rooting, and increasing nutrient, the product helps to keep the turf healthy while stabilising the sandy base. This combination results in a safer, more resilient playing surface that can better withstand both the climate and the demands of polo.
This particular contractor is no stranger to TerraCottem, having previously used it with great success on high-profile winter sports fields and independent school projects. Their confidence in the product stems from its robust scientific foundation and proven track record. As a result, they were more than happy to specify it once again for this high-stakes application.
Case Study – Football ground in Norwich
The football ground has faced similar issues relating to the weather. Hotter, drier summers are putting increasing strain on natural turf pitches, particularly at venues without extensive irrigation systems. This football ground is one such example. The club’s ground has been badly affected by recent droughts, leaving grass coverage thin and the playing surface unstable.
With no formal irrigation infrastructure in place, the club faced a serious challenge on how to restore and maintain the quality of the pitch in the face of unpredictable weather. The solution came from the original specifier of the field, who recommended integrating TerraCottem into the renovation process.
If the club go ahead and incorporate TerraCottem into the soil profile, the pitch can better withstand future droughts, reduce the impact of limited water availability, and ensure a more resilient pitch surface. With the product’s proven track record in improving root development and moisture retention, it offers a sustainable and practical solution for the long term.
Versatile Benefits of TerraCottem for Turf and Landscaping
The benefits of TerraCottem are not limited to sports turf alone. Contractors working with Inturf have also seen significant improvements in a wide range of landscape applications, from flower beds and borders to tree planting and large-scale projects. For example, its use at a prestigious hotel in Cornwall led to a noticeable improvement in the survival rate of newly planted trees, which might otherwise have struggled in dry and challenging soil conditions.
These successes are a testament to TerraCottem’s versatility and reliability. Whether in a sports stadium, a private estate, or a public landscape, the product’s core advantages include improved root establishment, better water and nutrient management, and stronger plant resilience, consistently deliver results.
As highlighted in our recent article ‘Hotter, Drier Summers – Is This the New Norm for UK Gardens?’ the climate is changing, and it’s changing fast. The Met Office warns that longer, hotter, and drier summers are becoming standard across the UK, bringing with them a host of challenges for gardeners, landscapers, and turf professionals. Reduced water availability and increased drought risk are at the forefront of these concerns.
For turf managers, this means finding sustainable, reliable solutions that protect both the quality and the long-term health of the soil. TerraCottem offers exactly that. By significantly reducing the need for irrigation, improving soil stability, and promoting healthy root development, it provides an effective way to adapt to these changing conditions.
A Proven Solution for the Future
We recognise the pressures that climate change and extreme weather is placing on turf and landscape management, and we are confident that TerraCottem can support against this. From elite sports facilities to large-scale landscaping projects, its benefits are being proven time and time again.
As hotter, drier summers become the reality rather than the exception, the need for effective soil management solutions will only grow. TerraCottem has already shown its value across the globe, and its role in helping UK turf and landscapes adapt to this new norm is clear.
For contractors, clubs, and organisations looking to future-proof their projects, TerraCottem represents a solution grounded in science, tested in the field, and trusted by professionals worldwide.
