Atami - Ata Terra Max

A mineral flowering nutrient for growing in soil, NPK 2-2-4. One bottle covers the whole flowering phase, built up from 1 ml per litre to a maximum of 5 ml just before flushing.

There is almost no calcium in it, and that is deliberate

This is what sets Terra Max apart from a flowering nutrient for another medium, and it explains why you cannot simply swap it out.

Atami put hardly any calcium in it because soil already supplies plenty of its own. A flowering feed that does bring calcium is not better, it is meant for a medium that lacks the reserve.

That makes swapping a bad idea in both directions. Feed soil with something calculated for coco and you are adding calcium on top of calcium that was already there. Feed Terra Max on coco and the calcium is missing exactly where the crop asks for it most.

For the same reason the NPK is kept on the low side: soil retains what you pour in, so a heavy dose accumulates rather than flushing through. The full argument is set out on the ATA Terra Leaves page.

What shifts from the growth phase

Both bottles in this range publish their ratio, so the changeover is exactly readable.

Terra Leaves is 2-1-3, Terra Max is 2-2-4. Nitrogen stays level, phosphorus doubles and potassium steps up. So nothing is taken away, something is added on purpose: phosphorus for flower set, potassium for the build and the quality of what comes.

That the nitrogen does not drop is striking and it fits the rest of the reasoning. In soil the nitrogen tails off on its own as the reserve in the medium runs down, so the bottle does not need to do that as well.

Building up to the flush

Start at 1 ml per litre as flowering begins and work up weekly to a maximum of 5 ml per litre, until just before you flush.

One bottle covers the whole flowering period: no separate ripener is needed to complete the range. Terra Max dissolves directly and acts quickly, and suits all watering systems.

Shake before use and store at room temperature. Shelf life is limited once opened.

Available sizes

Technical Specifications:

• Type: mineral flowering nutrient for soil
• Manufacturer: Atami, ATA Terra range
• Levels: NPK 2-2-4
• Predecessor: ATA Terra Leaves, NPK 2-1-3
• Calcium: barely present, because soil supplies it
• Dosage: 1 ml per litre at the start, rising to a maximum of 5 ml
• End point: until just before flushing
• Substrate: soil, especially light calcareous potting soils
• Coverage: one bottle for the whole flowering phase
• Storage: room temperature, limited shelf life once opened

Frequently asked questions

Why is there so little calcium in it?
Because soil already supplies calcium in quantity. A feed carrying added calcium is meant for media without that reserve.

What changes compared with Terra Leaves?
From 2-1-3 to 2-2-4: nitrogen stays level, phosphorus doubles and potassium rises.

Do I need a ripener alongside it?
Not for the base. One bottle covers the whole flowering phase.

How do I build up?
From 1 ml per litre as flowering begins to a maximum of 5 ml just before flushing.

Can I use it on coco?
Better not. Without soil's calcium reserve your crop misses the very element it asks for most in bloom.