Seabirds and the history of a fertilizer in South America

Abstract

The subject of this work is bird guano, its use as natural fertilizer rich in phosphorus

and nitrogen, as well as historical references regarding the seabirds that produced it

and its economic importance during the XIX and XX centuries. While currently three

species of seabirds that produce guano have been clearly identified,

ancient references and the analysis of old descriptions lead to assume that other

numerous species unknown at the time were producers as well. Unfortunately,

overexploitation of guano caused irreparable damage to natural environments,

together with the synthesis of nitrogen-rich chemical compounds that led to the

production of better fertilizers provoked the collapse of the international market of

guano.