The Bird Poop That Changed The World

In the 1840s, farmers in Sandy Spring, MD faced soil depletion and considered relocating. They discovered guano from Peru, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, which revitalized their fields. This led to a significant increase in crop yields. The dry climate of Peru preserved the nutrients in guano, making it highly effective. Eventually, the use of guano declined as modern fertilizers were developed, allowing farmers to replenish soil nutrients without relocating.

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