In a nutshell, organic matter is various forms of living or dead plant and animal material. Compost is the prime example of this. Non meat eating animal manures are also a good source of organic matter. Mulches break down to form organic matter. It is not a factory produced fertilizer.
Organic matter adds nutrients to the soil.
It facilitates drainage as well as storing water and nutrients. It helps increase air drainage as well as the number of valuable microorganisms. Earthworms love organic matter and will add their own to your garden as they eat and aerate your soil. As a general rule, add 5-6 percent organic matter to your garden. Too much of a good thing can cause problems and actually steal nutrients away from your plants.