With support from StrataGreen – the WA & NSW stockist for TerraCottem
At Terracottem, we believe in evidence-based approaches to sustainable landscaping — where soil health is recognised as the foundation of resilient, long-lasting green spaces. That’s why we were delighted to support the LAWN Project led by The University of Western Australia (UWA) by supplying TerraCottem soil conditioners for key research trials. StrataGreen, the official WA and NSW stockist for TerraCottem products, facilitated this involvement, assisting with product supply and technical support for the project.
About the UWA LAWN Project
The LAWN Project — short for “Lawn as an ecological and cultural phenomenon in Perth” — is a multidisciplinary research initiative exploring how traditional lawns perform in a drying climate and what alternatives might offer more sustainable outcomes. Led by the UWA School of Design, this research investigates environmental, social, and design perspectives to rethink what lawns could look like in the future.
Researchers examined factors such as:
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Water use and maintenance practices
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Plant biodiversity and soil conditions
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How different planting strategies influence long-term resilience
This work recognises lawns not just as aesthetic turf but as living ecosystems, providing valuable ecological services and opportunities for innovative landscape design.
Role of TerraCottem in the Trials
As part of this research, TerraCottem soil conditioner was incorporated into several trial plots to assess its impact on plant establishment, root growth, and overall lawn performance under varied conditions.
Key trial locations included Collier Park Golf Course in Como, where side-by-side comparisons were made between areas planted with TerraCottem and untreated control plots.
What the Research Showed
The results of these trials were insightful:
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Deeper root systems in TerraCottem plots, extending well below the soil surface — indicating better access to moisture and nutrients.
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Stronger soil structure in treated areas, supporting healthier plant performance overall.
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In native planting trials, TerraCottem-treated plots demonstrated greater root development and resilience, even when subject to lower water availability.
Although above-ground growth sometimes appeared similar, the improvements below ground suggested more durable establishment and resilience — particularly important in water-limited environments.
Why This Matters
These findings reinforce the value of soil conditioning as an investment in sustainable landscape performance — something Terracottem products are specifically developed to support. By enhancing water retention, nutrient availability, and root growth at the soil level, TerraCottem helps landscapes establish faster and better endure environmental stresses.
With TerraCottem
Without TerraCottem
Supporting Research and Best Practice
Projects like the UWA LAWN Project illustrate how collaboration between researchers, industry partners, and suppliers can drive innovation in landscape design. StrataGreen’s role as the WA and NSW stockist for TerraCottem helped bridge the gap between research objectives and practical product application on the ground.
We’re proud to have contributed TerraCottem as part of this important study — and to support the ongoing shift towards water-wise, resilient Australian landscapes.
Read the StrataGreen Blog here.