Sonnenerde Organic Black Soil 20L – Terra Preta Ready-to-Use Soil for Raised Beds & Garden Soil
If you want to sustainably improve your soil without constant re-fertilization, Sonnenerde Organic Black Soil (20 liters) is one of the most exciting options on the market. Developed based on the Terra Preta model, this soil combines organic compost, organic biochar, and mineral components to create a substrate that buffers nutrients very well, activates soil life, and simultaneously improves water retention – ideal for raised beds, vegetable beds, and soil improvement in open ground.
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Terra Preta Principle: stable nutrient binding & long-term soil fertility
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Peat-free: no peat, instead with organic compost & biochar
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High water retention capacity: helpful in warm locations & with irregular watering
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Active soil life: supports humus buildup & natural nutrient supply
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Suitable for heavy feeders: e.g., vegetable and fruit plants in beds/raised beds
What exactly is "Organic Black Soil"?
“Riedlingsdorfer Black Soil” (Organic Black Soil) is a ready-to-use soil specifically designed to create a low-loss soil system. The mixture of organic compost, organic biochar, rock dust, brick grit, loamy sand, and horn meal ensures a continuous nitrogen supply (via the horn meal) and a more even nutrient release over a long period.
Application – how to get the most out of it
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Raised beds & open ground: Use black soil as a nutrient and humus "engine." For root vegetables, a 20–30 cm layer is often a good guideline.
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Contact with subsoil: If possible, always use it so that the soil has contact with the subsoil (soil life then works significantly better).
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Mulch layer is mandatory (really): Permanently cover the surface with organic material (e.g., grass clippings, leaves, shredded shrub cuttings). This stabilizes moisture, feeds microorganisms, and keeps the structure loose.
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Watering: Keep evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Due to the biochar, the soil retains water well – nevertheless: it's better to water calmly and thoroughly than "a sip every day."
Tips & Tricks from Practice
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For containers & large pots: Black soil works particularly well in large planters. For delicate young plants, it may be advisable to grow them in milder soil for the first few weeks and then transplant them.
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Top-Dressing instead of re-fertilizing: If you want to replenish after a long time, work a thin layer of organic material into the top (e.g., BioBizz Worm-Humus 40L) and then mulch again.
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Keep the soil "alive": Do not let it dry out and do not constantly dig it up. Soil life loves peace, air pores, and even moisture.
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Automatic watering: Especially for raised beds or many containers, a system saves time and stress – check out our watering solutions.
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Avoid mistakes: High-salt/mineral fertilizer applications are often counterproductive in such systems. If you work organically, the soil remains more stable in the long term.
Goes well with (internal recommendations)
Scope of delivery
- 1× Sonnenerde Organic Black Soil – 20 Liter Bag
FAQ – frequent questions about Sonnenerde Organic Black Soil
Do I need to fertilize additionally with black soil?
In many setups, no regular re-fertilization is necessary because the mixture is designed for long-term nutrient supply and buffering. Depending on the crop, location, and season, a gentle top-dressing (e.g., with worm humus) may make sense later on.
Is the soil more for raised beds or also for pots?
The classic application is raised beds/open ground. It also works very well in large containers – ensure good drainage and even moisture. For very small pots or delicate propagation, a milder starter soil might be more practical.
I see white fungal growth – is that bad?
No. White fungal growth can occur due to the biological decomposition of organic components (e.g., horn meal) and is usually a sign of active soil biology.
What layer height is sensible?
That depends on the application. For root vegetables, 20–30 cm is often recommended. In raised beds, you can also use the soil in a greater layer thickness – covering it with organic material is important.
How do I best store the bag?
Cool, dry, and protected from direct sunlight. It's best to reseal opened bags well so that the structure and moisture do not suffer unnecessarily.
Product Data
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Content: 20 Liters
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Item weight: approx. 17.0 kg
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Components (according to manufacturer's specifications): Organic compost, organic biochar, rock dust, brick grit, loamy sand, horn meal
Manufacturer Information
Sonnenerde GmbH
Oberwarter Strasse 100
7422 Riedlingsdorf
Austria
E-Mail: office@sonnenerde.at
