Organic matter facts for kids
Organic matter is a special kind of material that comes from living things, or things that were alive recently. Think of it as the natural leftovers from plants, animals, and tiny organisms. It's everywhere in nature, like in the soil, in compost piles, and even in the oceans.
Organic matter is different from minerals because it can decay or break down over time. It's a very important part of our planet's ecosystems.
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What is Organic Matter?
Organic matter is made up of organic compounds. These are chemical compounds that contain carbon atoms, usually bonded with hydrogen. Most organic matter comes from things that were once alive, like plants, animals, and tiny organisms like bacteria and fungi.
There isn't just one exact definition of organic matter. What it means can change a little depending on where it's being used, like in soil science or oceanography. But generally, it refers to natural materials that have a biological origin.
Organic Matter in Soil
Soil is a mix of many things, including minerals, water, air, living organisms, and a lot of organic matter. The organic matter in soil comes from dead plants and animals.
For example, in a forest, leaves, branches, and other plant parts fall to the ground. This is fresh organic material. Over time, tiny organisms like bacteria and fungi break down this material. This process is called decomposition.
As the material breaks down, it becomes harder to recognize what it once was. At this stage, it's called soil organic matter. When it breaks down even further into a very stable, dark substance that resists more decomposition, it's called humus. Humus is very important for healthy soil because it helps plants grow.
The History of "Organic"
For a long time, people believed in an idea called vitalism. This idea suggested that only living things could create "organic" substances. They thought there was a special "life force" needed to make these compounds.
However, this idea began to change in 1828. A scientist named Friedrich Wöhler was able to create urea in his laboratory. Urea is an organic compound found in animal urine. Wöhler made it from non-living, inorganic materials. This was a big discovery because it showed that organic substances could be made without a "life force." This experiment helped scientists understand that organic chemistry is simply the study of carbon compounds, whether they come from living things or not.
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See also
In Spanish: Materia orgánica para niños
