Organic matter

Organic matter (or organic material, natural organic matter, NOM) is matter composed of organic compounds that has come from the remains of once-living organisms such as plants and animals and their waste products in the environment. Basic structures are created from cellulose, tannin, cutin, and lignin, along with other various proteins, lipids, and sugars. It is very important in the movement of nutrients in the environment and plays a role in water retention on the surface of the planet.