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## Guano: The Ancient Fertilizer That Fueled Empires and Modern Agriculture
(Photo: Jo Osborn/dpa)”/>“Our findings suggest that guano was central to the success of the Chincha kingdom,” says bongers.Maritime knowledge and access to the Chincha Islands played a strategic role.
Before the arrival of the Europeans, the Inca Empire dominated the highlands of the Andes. While known for their cultivation of corn, used to make *chicha* (fermented beer) for ceremonies, the Incas faced challenges growing sufficient quantities in the high-altitude habitat. They lacked the naval capacity to regularly access the guano-rich islands. Diplomatic agreements between the Incas and Chincha communities centered on guano as a vital, highly valued resource, according to Bongers.
Bird Droppings Were in Demand – Then and Now
The Chincha empire eventually declined, but guano’s importance resurfaced centuries later. Alexander von Humboldt brought samples of Peruvian guano to Europe in 1804, and subsequent analysis revealed its remarkable nutrient content. From the 1840s, Peruvian guano exports surged, earning it the moniker “white gold.” Peru experienced important economic growth, and agricultural yields in Europe dramatically increased.