Organic matter

Organic matter (or organic material) refers to a particular type of matter. There is no single definition, and it varies based on context.

History

The equation of "organic" with living organisms comes from the now-abandoned idea of vitalism that attributed a special force to life that alone could create organic substances. This theory was discredited in the 19th century.

The end of vitalism is often credited to Friedrich Wöhler, who discovered the Wöhler synthesis. This let people make organic urea from inorganic ammonium cyanate. However, chemists and historians consider this a myth: While his work was important, it came when support for vitalism was already decreasing in chemistry.

Vitalism remains a popular pseudoscientific philosophy. Many forms of alternative medicine use vitalist ideas.

By field

Chemistry

Organic chemistry is a field of chemistry that studies carbon compounds. An organic compound is normally defined as a chemical that has chemical bonds between two carbon atoms, or between carbon and hydrogen.

Geology

Soil is composed of minerals and organic matter, as well as living organisms. The organic matter in soil comes from plants and animals. In a forest, for example, leaf litter and woody material falls to the forest floor. This is one kind organic material. When it decays to the point it is no longer recognizable it is called soil organic matter. When the organic matter has broken down into a stable humic substances that resist further decomposition it is called humus.

Related pages

• Biomass
• Biological tissue