What do you count as "organic matter" ?

[marialittlebzz]

I know sounds stupid but when a plant needs "a soil rich in organic matter", does it means any kind of organic matter like fresh grass clipping, or well roted one such as manure?
I hesitate to put manure cause my soil is alkaline and I heard/ read that it will raise the PH... I am wrong?
thanks

[Birdie Wife]

Any kind maria, but mixing it all in won't have an immediate effect unless it is composted - this can be done in the soil or in a compost bin. This means the organic matter has decomposed and the nutrients in it are available to be taken up by plants roots. Adding any kind of manure or compost has the general effect of lowering pH (ie acidifying) slightly, so it's in the right direction for you. The only exceptions would be when the compost is made of acidifying ingredients like pine needles, bracken, citrus etc.

Hope this helps.