What the plant does not use is then often washed out of the soil, wasting resources and polluting the environment. Organic fertilisers are really just man speeding up nature's process. In nature organic matter comes mainly from dead plant material and animal manures. The plant remains contain organic compounds, sugars, starches, proteins, waxes and many more complicated molecules. In warm soils, with plenty of soil life and a good balance of air and water, the organic matter is broken down, the easy bits first, such as sugars, and the 'chewy' bits, such as woody materials last.
Carbon dioxide is given off as the organic matter decays.
Most gardeners are continuously removing organic matter and potential humus. So if soil is to benefit it is clear that organic matter should be replaced regularly . Organic gardeners are merely speeding up natures process by rotting the waste under intensive controlled conditions. Organic fertilising is the balanced natural cycle of giving back to the earth what you have taken out. There are many natural ways to improve the soil in your garden, making leaf mould and composting are two cheap, natural and pollutant free ways of working with your garden, turning household waste into a natural and nutritious garden soil conditioner.