Final answer:
Organic matter comprises mainly carbon and hydrogen atoms, with other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, or sulfur. Organic compounds, which are crucial for all life forms, can be produced by living organisms, geological processes, or artificial means. Humus, a result of organic material decay, is vital for soil fertility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Composition of Organic Matter
The composition of organic matter is crucial for understanding both the properties of soil and the nature of organic chemistry. Organic substances are primarily made up of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H), often featuring heteroatoms like oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and sulfur (S).
A simple example of an organic compound is methane (CH4), which consists of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. In soils, organic matter includes decomposing plant and animal material, as well as living microorganisms that contribute to the decomposition process. This decomposition creates humus, a substance rich in organic material that greatly enhances soil's ability to support plant life.
Elemental Composition of organisms highly reflects in their molecular composition. It's interesting to note that 98% of an organism's mass typically comes from just C, H, O, and N, with other essential elements also present, which are vital for the organism's survival, growth, and reproduction.
Organic compounds are not unique to living organisms; they can also be formed through geological and artificial processes. However, the key characteristic of organic compounds remains the presence of carbon as the principal element, generally bonded to hydrogen or to other carbon atoms.