What is Rocastem and How Does it Work?
When 3% of the rootzone is all a corer can reach, it’s time to think deeper. Rocastem isn’t just a liquid aerator—it’s a rethink of how we manage the invisible 90% of turf stress zones.
For grounds professionals who value firm, dry greens and turf that responds rather than reacts, Rocastem offers microscopic precision where mechanical tools fall short.
Rocastem is a bio-active liquid aerator and root-zone stimulator developed to restore and enhance the air-to-water balance in the soil's top 40mm—where most problems begin. It clears pore spaces clogged by fine particles and organic debris, enabling deeper root growth, better percolation, and healthier microbial activity.
It works not by brute force, but by unlocking natural soil functions—stimulating microbial life, breaking down organic matter, and softening compacted layers—all without disrupting play.
History and Development of Rocastem
Born from Terralift’s three decades of R&D in turf biology, Rocastem evolved from a simple idea: if coring can't reach it, why not let biology do the digging?
Built using Terralift’s proprietary composting and microbial activation techniques, Rocastem targets subsurface soil structure at the micro level.
Field-tested on UK and Irish greens through wet winters and high-traffic summers, Rocastem was fine-tuned to reduce mechanical interventions, improve surface playability, and maintain turf consistency through the toughest months.
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
Rocastem contains:
✅ Micronised organic acids – Humic and fulvic compounds soften compacted matter and chelate nutrients.
✅ Beneficial microflora activators – Stimulate indigenous aerobic microbes to digest organic thatch.
✅ Root stimulants – Encourage finer root hairs and greater nutrient absorption zones.
✅ Moisture modulators – Improve infiltration and retention without hydrophobic effects.
The Result?
A healthier rhizosphere, improved root hair development, and visibly firmer, drier surfaces, especially heading into winter.
Why Rocastem is a Game-Changer in Turf Management
Traditional aeration often trades disruption for results. Rocastem breaks that trade-off. It:
✅ Reduces the need for aggressive coring.
✅ Accelerates post-renovation recovery.
✅ Improves year-round firmness and water movement.
It allows breathing room for the root zone without robbing playing time from the calendar.
Differences Between Rocastem and Other Liquid Aerators
Many products claim to aerate but rely on simple surfactants or pH shock. Rocastem is biologically active, meaning it doesn’t just penetrate—it transforms. Unlike chemical wetting agents, Rocastem:
✅ Acts on organic matter, not just water flow.
✅ Works in synergy with existing microbial populations.
✅ Contains minimal chemical inputs for healthier soil
Scientific Studies Supporting Rocastem’s Effectiveness
Trials across UK greens show:
✅ Penetrometer readings improved by nearly 20% post-application.
✅ Moisture variability stabilised, leading to faster dry-down and less surface softening.
✅ Organic matter reduced by up to 28% in 9 weeks in side-by-side tests.
Field professionals note:
✅ quicker bounce-back after rainfall
✅ earlier spring green-up, and fewer winter closures.
Environmental Impact of Using Rocastem
With sustainability under scrutiny, Rocastem stands out. It:
● Reduces mechanical disturbance and energy use.
● Breaks down organic waste, reducing thatch buildup.
● Promotes aerobic microbial life, cutting dependency on synthetic fungicides and
surfactants.
It’s a quiet revolution - minimal chemical inputs, play-safe, and performance-focused.
Who Should Use Rocastem?
Golf course managers needing firmer winter play and less aggressive renovations.
Football groundkeepers managing tight schedules with minimal disruption.
Lawn care professionals looking for a smarter alternative to frequent hollow tining.
If you manage high traffic playing surfaces, compacted pitches, or problematic irrigation water, Rocastem should be in your toolkit.
Common Misconceptions About Rocastem
“It’s just another wetting agent.”
False—Rocastem works with soil biology, not around it.
“You can’t aerate without machinery.”
Tell that to the 90% of the rootzone you can’t reach with a tine.
“It’s only for high-end golf.”
Not true—any sports surface battling compaction and waterlogging can benefit.
Future Developments and Innovations
Terralift continues to expand the Rocastem range. On the horizon:
Microbial pairing solutions for specific soil profiles.
Data-driven application protocols for precision-based turf programs.
Rocastem is not static. It’s evolving in tandem with soil science and the challenges that professional turf managers, greenkeepers and turf care managers face every day.
