The term "organic layer" refers to the uppermost layer of soil that is predominantly made up of decomposed plant and animal matter. There are several synonyms used to describe this layer of soil, including humus, topsoil, and organic matter layer. The term "humus" typically refers to the dark, organic-rich layer that is formed when dead plant material breaks down and gets incorporated into the soil. "Topsoil" refers to the uppermost layer of soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter, and which is typically used for gardening and farming. Lastly, "organic matter layer" is a more general term that refers to any layer of soil that contains substantial amounts of organic material.