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Understanding "Organic" in this Context

Published in Water Chemistry 2 mins read

Is Rainwater Organic?

No, rainwater itself is not organic. However, it can contain small amounts of organic matter.

The term "organic" typically refers to substances containing carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, often associated with living organisms. Pure water (H₂O) is inorganic. Rainwater, while primarily composed of water, isn't completely devoid of other substances.

What Rainwater Contains

Rainwater can pick up various substances as it falls through the atmosphere:

Is Rainwater Suitable for Organic Gardening?

While rainwater isn't inherently organic, its purity and lack of chemicals make it a popular choice for organic gardening. It's often preferred over tap water because it is free of salts, minerals, and treatment chemicals (Rainwater Quality: 4 Reasons Plants Like Rain Best). However, the presence of some organic matter doesn't negate its suitability for organic gardening.