Organic matter refers to any material that is derived from living organisms, such as plants and animals. This includes materials like leaves, wood chips, manure, and other plant-based waste products. Organic matter has a number of important uses in agriculture, horticulture, and gardening, including improving soil fertility, providing nutrients for plants, and helping to retain moisture in the soil. In addition, organic matter can help to reduce pollution by binding with heavy metals and other contaminants, preventing them from being taken up by plants or leaching into waterways. Overall, organic matter is an important component of sustainable land management practices.