Calcium Bentonite Clay - Soil Conditioner - Water and Nutrient Retention

General soil improvement:

• Mix 2–5% bentonite by volume into the top 15–30 cm (6–12 in) of soil before planting.

• For sandy soils, use the higher end of the range.

Raised beds:

• Blend thoroughly with compost and existing soil.

• Water well after incorporation.

Containers:

• Mix a small amount (approx 1–2 tbsp per litre of soil) into the potting mix to improve moisture balance.

For best results, combine with organic matter (compost, worm castings) for long-term soil health.

Potting Soil / Compost: < 15%v/v.

Gardens: 0.25 - 3Kg/m2 depending on soil type.

Farmers: Use between 50-1000kg/ha/year (Check your soil type and analysis to determine the right dosage)

SiO2: 64.63%

Al2O3: 13.7%

Fe2O3: 2.72%

MgO: 2.26%

Na2O: 2.32%

K2O: 0.16%

Montmorillonite content: min 80%

pH: 7-8

Bulk Density: 1100kg/m3

 

TerraSoil Calcium Bentonite Clay is a natural clay-based soil conditioner that improves the physical and chemical properties of soil. When mixed into garden beds, containers, or raised beds, this clay helps soils retain water and valuable nutrients for longer, reducing drought stress and fertilizer loss.

Calcium bentonite has a unique crystalline structure that expands slightly when wet, increasing soil’s water retention and cation exchange capacity (CEC). This makes water and nutrients more available to plant roots throughout the growing season.

✅ Boosts Water Retention
Reduces rapid drying in sandy or light soils and helps maintain moisture around roots.

✅ Improves Nutrient Retention
Increases soil’s ability to hold onto nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and trace minerals.

✅ Enhances Soil Structure
Clays help bind soil particles into more stable aggregates, improving aeration and root penetration.

✅ Supports Root Health & Microbial Life
Stable moisture and nutrient availability create a better environment for beneficial soil microbes and healthy root systems.

This soil conditioner is suitable for a wide range of gardening environments:

Vegetables & Greens

• Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants

• Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale)

• Root vegetables (carrots, beets)

Herbs & Ornamentals

• Basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme

• Marigolds, petunias, cosmos

Trees & Fruit Crops

• Citrus, stone fruit, olive trees

• Strawberries & small fruiting shrubs

Containers & Raised Beds

• Especially useful where soil dries quickly or nutrients leach rapidly

Tip: For containers, bentonite can help counteract rapid drainage and frequent watering needs.

In Mediterranean or dry climates, soils often lose moisture quickly and struggle to hold nutrients between waterings. Calcium bentonite clay:

• Helps reduce watering frequency

• Keeps nutrients available longer

• Improves plant resilience to heat and drought stress

It is 100% natural, mineral-based, and compatible with organic gardening systems, making it a smart choice for regenerative growers.

Q: Is this safe for all plants?
Yes, Calcium Bentonite Clay is a natural mineral and is safe for vegetables, herbs, ornamentals, fruit trees, and container plants.

Q: Can I use this with existing fertiliser regimes?
Yes, bentonite enhances nutrient retention and works well alongside organic fertilisers, compost teas, and soil amendments.

Q: How long does it take to work?
You’ll notice improved moisture retention immediately after watering, and benefits increase over weeks as the clay integrates with soil structure.

Q: Will it change soil pH?
Calcium bentonite has minimal effect on pH. It mainly alters physical and nutrient retention properties.