Organic facts for kids

The word organic can mean a few different things, which can sometimes be a bit confusing! It usually has something to do with living things or things that come from them.

What Does 'Organic' Mean?

The word "organic" is used in several ways, especially in science and farming. Let's explore its main meanings.

Organic in Living Things

When something is described as organic, it can simply mean it comes from, or is related to, an organism. An organism is any living thing, like a plant, an animal, or even tiny microbes. For example, a fallen leaf is organic material because it came from a plant. Food scraps are also organic waste. This meaning is about the natural world around us.

Organic Chemistry: The Chemistry of Life

Organic chemistry is a special part of chemistry that focuses on carbon. Carbon is an amazing element because it can connect with many other atoms, forming long chains and complex shapes. These complex molecules are the building blocks of all living things! Your body, plants, and animals are all made up of organic molecules like DNA, proteins, and sugars. Without carbon, life as we know it wouldn't exist.

Organic Matter in Soil

When we talk about Organic matter in soil, we mean material that is, or once was, a plant or an animal. This includes things like dead leaves, roots, insects, and tiny microbes. Organic matter is super important for healthy soil. It acts like a sponge, helping the soil hold water and nutrients. It also provides food for tiny creatures in the soil, which helps plants grow strong and healthy. Farmers and gardeners often add compost, which is rich in organic matter, to improve their soil.

Organic Farming: Growing Food Naturally

Organic farming is a way of growing food that follows certain rules to protect the environment and keep things natural. Farmers who practice organic farming try to work with nature instead of against it. This means they usually:

• Use only natural fertilizers, like compost or animal manure, instead of man-made chemicals.
• Control pests using natural methods, such as beneficial insects or special plants, instead of chemical sprays.
• Focus on keeping the soil healthy and rich in organic matter.
• Avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Organic farming aims to produce food in a way that is good for the Earth, the animals, and people.