There are some plants that can live on high stone cliffs. Orchids grow on high tree limbs. Other plants are parasitic and get nutrition from other living organisms. However, nutrients from soil rich with organic matter is what most plants rely on for growth.

Crop production in agribusiness relies heavily on organic soil, not only because of its composition, but the mechanical benefit organic soil provides in improving soil drainage and making soil less compacted for ease in planting and plant root development. Soil organic amendment to increase soil nutrient content, making soil much more resistant to pathogenic invasion, as well as devising methods for organic soil content consistency, are now the trends in agribusiness. The production and utilization of "healthy soil" that develops a powerful mycelial layer (which helps detoxify the land from pesticides and chemicals) is the thrust of organic farming.

It has been found through research that pest infestation is deterred with soil having higher levels of decomposing organic matter. This means organic farmers do not need to use pesticides as the richness of the soil provides some form of natural protection for plants. This helps increase yield as well as reduce crop raising costs since organic farming usually uses fifty percent less energy compared to the mechanized, chemically oriented methods of agribusiness. Further, health-conscious consumers are attracted to organic produce containing more levels of nutrients, minerals and anti-oxidants.

Organic matter contained in soil primarily are found in forests, marshlands and agricultural fields, where dead plants are transformed by different kinds of living organisms. The transformation involves several steps, the start usually mechanical and progresses to more chemical processes. Microorganisms in soil (which are integral parts of soil organic matter) hasten the decomposition process. Excreta produced by animals also contribute to soil organic matter as well as the decomposed corpses of dead animals and organisms.

The depletion of naturally-occurring organic soils requires organic farmers to develop soil that contains essential organic compounds suitable to grow certified organic produce. Farmers spread soil on their lands made with the right mix of biomass (containing necessary microorganisms), fresh and partially decomposed residues and humus (the well-decomposed organic material) devoid of surface litter. Organic soil thus developed in the United States must conform to established USDA criteria, although much of the practice in developing countries employ composting methods with the compost used to augment planting beds.

Production of suitable soil organic matter, such as all-natural fertilizer, is a prime factor for successful organic farming. It must be used in conjunction with effective organic farm management processes that strictly adhere to applicable regulations. Organic farming is a money maker endeavor and is a sustainable environment management solution. To read more, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_organic_matter.