Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is the product(s) certified for use as a non-toxic organic product?
A. No. Products are currently being presented for certification. See Certificate page for update.

Q. Is the product tax deductible?
A. Yes, if used in an agricultural application.

Q. As an approved organic grower, can you supply the necessary certified documentation to verify that your product is qualified for use under my licence?
A. We can supply independent product residue results and BFA input certification to some products.

Q. To assess what product I need what are the steps involved? Where do I start?
A. Identify your agricultural pursuit and proceed to product information details. If you require any further information, contact Robert Knox - Ph: (03) 9778 5078 or email.

Q. By using your products can I stop using chemical fertilisers completely?
A. No not at first, but as soil improves our products will replace chemical input.

Q. By using your products can I stop using chemical fertilisers completely?
A. No not at first, but as soil improves our products will replace chemical input.

Q. If I have some technical questions about soil structure or certain crops and the required applications, do you have a qualified technical support service? If so, how do I access this service?
A. Yes, contact one of our distributors, or Robert Knox.

Q. What is application rates?
A. A general application rate is supplied in this web site - See Application Rates

Q. How do I store your product?
A. The conditioners can be stored in the paddock. The fertilisers need to be kept in a dry cool place. OCCA should not be stored in silos above 10 feet as lignite can ignite under pressure - best kept in an open bunker storage.

Q. How long can I store the product for?
A. Storage time for HumusPlus4 is 12 months. OCCA should not be stored longer than 2 to 3 months.

Q. If I have some problems with the product, who do I speak to?
A. Robert Knox, Marketing Co-ordinator, (03) 9778 5078  or email him, who will register the complaint and resolve the issue.

Q. How does the product compare in cost to normal chemical fertilisers? And can I expect some savings using you products?
A. Yes, these products are very economical to use. Application rates are comparable with other chemical products and have long term savings for your soil and bank balance. e.g. carbon credits and nutrient balance.

Q. How do I find out who is acting as a distributor in my area and how do I get in contact with them?
A. Robert Knox, Marketing Co-ordinator, has a full register of distributors for your area email to: Robert Knox or Tel: (03) 9778 5078.

Q. If a product has been ordered who do I speak to for details on production and delivery times?
A. Contact Peter Hinkley at Interstate Energy Group, Ph: (03) 5367 0725 or Fax: (03) 5367 0726.

Q. What’s the difference between Peat and Humus?
A. The difference between Peat and Humus is the combination of materials and the level of carbon, composition time and the source of raw materials

Q. Do I need a soil test first?
A. Yes, a soil test is essential to determine the definition of your soil, so that a recommendation can be made on the correct product needed to balance your soil.

Q. It appears that all of your products are based on brown coal. How long will these resources last?
A. The Maddingley Brown Coal mine has proven reserves of 40 million tonnes and has access to adjoining reserves of between 200 to 300 million tonnes.

Q. How do I determine the quantity of product per acre or hectare to be applied? Does this amount vary for different crops?
A. (a) Yes for application rates will vary. This will depend on the condition of your soil and the particular crop you are cultivating. Contact one of our distributors and they can recommend an agricultural service local to you.
   (b) Supply a current soil test and info on crop to: Robert Knox for a free recommendation and application rate for your crop.

Q. For broad acre spreading, can the product be applied with a normal spreader used for gypsum or similar products?
A. Yes our conditioners can be used by most belt spreaders (SCREENED 6MM).

Q. If I don’t want my order to be delivered in bulk, can the product be supplied in bulker bags? If it can be supplied this way, what are the additional costs involved?
A. Yes the product can be supplied in bulk/bags. Cost is an extra $35.00 ONE WAY BAG. (approx 1 tonne per bag).

Q. If I have some general questions, who is the best person to contact?
A. Robert Knox, Marketing Co-ordinator, Tel: (03) 9778 5078 Fax: (03) 9778 5080, email: Robert Knox.

Q. How long will it take for an order to be processed? That is, how much lead time do I have to allow?
A. For processing allow 7 working days from placement of order. Specialised blends take a little longer.

Q. Are there any health risks with your products.
A. Yes (minimal). All fertilisers should be handled with care.

Q. Do chemical sprays affect the usefulness of the product.
A. Yes, some chemical sprays will effect the micro-activity in the product.

INTERSTATE ENERGY GROUP. PO Box 1039, Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340. Ph. (03) 5367 0725, Fax. (03) 5367 0726.
© 2002 Copyright Maddingley Minerals. HumusPlus4 and OCCA are registered business names of Maddingley Minerals.