A conditioning composition comprising from 60 to 80% by weight of a mineral source, from 20 to 40% by weight of basalt, from 2 to 5% by weight of a bonding agent, from 1 to 20% by weight of a mixed colloidal mineral source and an amount of catalyst provided in the ratio of at least one half liter of catalyst to at least 20 liters of water per 10 ton of composition. A catalyst for use with a conditioning composition, the catalyst comprising water, calcium nitrate, molasses, phosphoric acid and at least one non-ionic surfactant, each being provided in the following amounts (w/w):______________________________________ water 30 to 60% calcium nitrate 2 to 40% urea 30 to 70% molasses 3 to 35% phosphoric acid 3 to 35% non-ionic surfactant 1 to 10%. ______________________________________