“Organic” has become one of the most popular marketing terms in recent years, appearing on everything from food to clothing to lawn care products. The organic industry has grown into a multibillion-dollar market, with consumers often paying premium prices for products bearing this label. But what exactly does “organic” mean? The answer is more complex than most people realize, as the term has different meanings in different contexts.

In chemistry, “organic” is defined as a molecule that contains carbon atoms, meaning that a molecule is considered organic if it has at least one carbon atom bonded to other elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen; essentially, “organic” in chemistry is synonymous with “carbon-containing.” There are a few other stipulations but we’re going to keep it simple.

This scientific definition, however, is quite different from how the term is used in agriculture, food production, and consumer products. This creates an interesting paradox that’s worth exploring.

Take urea (CH₄N₂O) as an example. As a carbon-based molecule, urea is by definition “organic” in the chemical sense. It’s an efficient and inexpensive input for improving crop yield, widely used as fertilizer around the world. Urea is efficient and cost-effective from an agricultural standpoint.

Yet despite being chemically “organic,” synthetic urea fertilizer would not qualify as an approved substance for certified organic farming under USDA regulations. This highlights the disconnect between the scientific definition and the regulatory/consumer understanding of the term.

The agricultural and regulatory definition of “organic” isn’t based solely on chemical composition but rather on how substances are produced, processed, and their overall impact on environmental systems. This distinction is crucial for understanding the debates surrounding organic products and practices.

The question of what qualifies as “organic” in the marketplace is determined by regulatory bodies and certification organizations. In the United States, the primary authority is the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP), which establishes the standards that products must meet to be labeled as organic.

For products used in organic production (like fertilizers and pest controls), the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) plays a crucial role. OMRI is an independent, nonprofit organization that reviews products to determine if they comply with organic standards. When companies apply, OMRI evaluates their products against established organic criteria. Products that meet these standards become “OMRI Listed®” and can be used in certified organic production.

 the organization actually follows clear guidelines based on the USDA National Organic Program regulations. Their evaluation process examines ingredients, manufacturing processes, and potential environmental impacts. However, the complexity of these standards and the technical nature of reviews can make them seem opaque to the average consumer.  

It’s important to note that there’s a significant difference between organic certification for foods versus lawn care products. While food products labeled “organic” must meet strict USDA certification requirements, the term “organic” in lawn care is less regulated. Currently, there is no set standard that lawn care companies marketing their programs as “organic” must follow, which can lead to inconsistent practices and consumer confusion.

The lack of standardized requirements for “organic” lawn care creates a marketplace where products and services vary widely in their approaches and effectiveness. Let’s examine some common organic lawn care products:

Corn gluten meal is frequently marketed as a pre-emergent herbicide for organic lawn care. While it does contain nitrogen that can benefit established grass, scientific research on its effectiveness as a weed preventer shows mixed results. Some studies suggest its weed control properties may be limited, and its primary benefit may indeed be as a nitrogen source that can thicken established grass, thereby reducing weed pressure indirectly.

Regarding organic herbicides, many are non-selective, meaning they can damage both weeds and desirable plants. Products containing ingredients like acetic acid (vinegar), citric acid, or plant oils can burn plant foliage on contact but often don’t kill the roots. This means weeds may regrow, requiring multiple applications. While these products can be effective for spot treatments, they typically don’t provide the same level of selective control as some synthetic alternatives.

It’s also worth noting that “organic” doesn’t automatically mean “safer.” Some organic herbicides require careful handling due to their potential to cause skin or eye irritation. The concentration of acetic acid in herbicide-grade vinegar, for example, is much higher than household vinegar and can cause burns if mishandled. This highlights the importance of following application instructions regardless of whether a product is organic or synthetic.

Organic fertilizer sources have recently faced significant challenges, particularly regarding biosolids (treated sewage sludge). These biosolids have traditionally been major components of many organic fertilizers, but recent studies have found concerning levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and heavy metals in these products.

The EPA has recently warned that sludge-based fertilizers can contain PFAS at levels that exceed safety thresholds “by several orders of magnitude” in some cases. Research by organizations like the Sierra Club has found PFAS in every tested biosolid-based fertilizer product. These “forever chemicals” persist in the environment for decades and have been linked to various health concerns.

This highlights an important point: the “organic” label doesn’t automatically guarantee safety or environmental benefit. There are many “organic compounds” which are incredibly dangerous, including naturally occurring substances like cyanide, arsenic, and uranium. Many compounds come from the ground, exist in nature, and yet can be harmful to human health and the environment.

On the other hand, some synthetic fertilizers like urea are both safe when properly used and highly efficient at delivering nutrients to plants. The key is understanding the specific properties, benefits, and limitations of each product rather than making broad assumptions based solely on whether something is labeled “organic” or “synthetic.”

When it comes to lawn care, it’s important to acknowledge some fundamental realities. Monoculture lawns—especially pristine, weed-free ones—are inherently unnatural. Monostands of a single grass species do not occur in nature, which is full of biodiversity. This doesn’t mean monostand lawns are necessarily “bad”—I have a monostand of zoysia grass at my own home that we love!

However, it does mean that maintaining such lawns typically requires some intervention. If you want to grow and maintain a perfect monostand of grass, you will likely need some combination of fertilizers and pest control products. A completely “organic” approach may not achieve the same results, particularly for those seeking a pristine, weed-free appearance.

This doesn’t mean we should abandon environmental considerations. Rather, it suggests finding a balanced approach that aligns with your personal priorities and lawn expectations. For many homeowners, an integrated approach that incorporates some organic practices (like grasscycling and proper mowing height) along with judicious use of synthetic products when necessary may provide the best balance of lawn quality and environmental consideration.

I think the key takeaways from this are efficiency and efficacy.  True organic only processes are less efficient and less efficacious.  Even though we might feel good about reading “Organic” on a label it does not mean it’s safe.  Take the pollutants found in organic fertilizers. At Weedsie we have to be good stewards and use a balanced approach… good stewards of your money, ensuring that our treatments are efficient and effective.  Good stewards of your property… we cannot in good conscious contaminate your property with dangerous compounds whether organic or inorganic.  We use a good balance of synthetic and organic products to improve soil health and grow a green healthy lawn.