Substrates for those who produce sports turf and landscapes
Formulas for landscape contractors, sports fields, green roofs, and nurseries with mulching. Top soil, mineral aggregates, and selected organic matter, calibrated for load-bearing capacity, drainage, and durability on high-traffic surfaces.
What is a substrate for sports turf and landscaping
A substrate for sports turf and landscaping is a mix of top soil, mineral structural materials (pumice, volcanic Lapillus, silica sand), and selected organic matter, calibrated for load-bearing capacity under foot traffic, rapid drainage, and durability on high-traffic surfaces (sports fields, public parks, green roofs). It differs from growing substrates because the primary requirement is mechanical stability, not biological yield.
Four criteria for the landscape contractor and the sports field
What sets a nursery substrate apart from one that needs to withstand foot traffic, vehicle loads, and extreme seasonal cycles.
Top soil + aggregates for load-bearing capacity
Top soil provides growing substance; mineral aggregates (pumice, Lapillus, sand) provide load-bearing capacity and prevent compaction under repeated foot traffic. The ratio is adjusted based on use intensity (sports field > public park > green roof).
Controlled organic matter
The organic fraction must be balanced: too low means poor biological activity and slow rooting; too high means rapid decomposition leading to subsidence and frequent top-up requirements. For sports fields the typical value is 5–10% by volume.
Rapid drainage
High-traffic surfaces require infiltration drainage >100 mm/h to prevent waterlogging after rain. Granulometry (particle size) 0–10 mm with a silica sand fraction ensures permeability even after years of foot traffic.
Thermo-sanitised wood-chip mulching
AR Containermulch is a mix of wood fiber and thermo-sanitised chips of German origin, formulated for mulching of containers, flowerbeds, and ornamental lawns. Thermal treatment reduces weed and pathogen pressure compared to untreated bark.
Arber substrates for sports turf and landscaping
Substrates for the preparation of sports turf, lawn surfaces, and top soil for green roofs.
Lawn-Sport
Lawn-Garden
Top Soil 2
Comparative table — Sports turf and landscaping
| SKU | Structure | pH | EC mS/cm | Recommended container |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn-Sport | Fine | 5-6 | 0.6-1 mS/cm | n/a |
| Lawn-Garden | Medium | 5-6 | 1-1.4 mS/cm | n/a |
| Top Soil 2 | Medium | 6.5-7.5 | 0.6-1 mS/cm | n/a |
Indicative sample data, referring to the formulation batch. Declared tolerances are listed in the technical data sheet for each SKU.
What landscape contractors and sports field managers ask
Can I get a custom formula to specification?
Yes. For landscaping projects or sports field construction, we develop custom formulas based on project requirements (target drainage, required load-bearing capacity, tender specification). The first pilot batch typically arrives within 3–4 weeks of the technical request.
How long does delivery take across Italy?
We deliver across Italy. Transport is included to the gate, including Big Bag for construction sites. Typical lead times are 3–7 working days depending on the region and format.
Do you have supply chain certifications?
Yes. The German section of the supply chain is HORTICERT certified. Selected professional raw materials are RAL certified by the Gütegemeinschaft Substrate für Pflanzen. Organic lines use FiBL-certified raw materials.
How does a quote or sample request work?
The “Request a quote” form collects project details, volumes, and region. The request goes to the local sales agent, who prepares the sample and technical data sheet.
How does agronomic support work?
The local sales agent assists with formula selection, on-site load-bearing and drainage testing, and preparation of tender specification wording. For complex projects (certified sports fields) the agent involves the internal technical team.
Is AR Containermulch certified for green roofs?
AR Containermulch is formulated for ornamental mulching of containers, flowerbeds, and borders. For green roofs requiring FLL certification (German standard), the product is compatible as a mulching layer, but the structural package requires a dedicated top soil (Top Soil 2 or custom mix). The local sales agent recommends the correct combination based on the tender specification.
Do you also grow potted plants or outdoor container plants? Go to /produzioni/piante-in-vaso/ or to /produzioni/piante-da-esterno/.
Want to put an Arber substrate to the test on your project?
Request a quote, talk to the agronomist about your project, or find your local dealer. Every request goes to the local sales agent, who contacts you directly.