Wanu
by hughpierre
Wanu is a natural fertilizer essential for maximizing agricultural productivity in highland and coastal regions.
Properties
Origin & Source
Wanu Birds
Great conservative care is placed on the suitability of the crown as a nesting site. Harsh penalties, up to and including death, are placed on anyone who mines the guano or hunts the birds inside the nesting season. The fear is that disturbances such as these during the higher bird population would scare elsewhere and devastate the settlements on Hayaqiago.Life & Expiration
It breaks down quickly which makes it especially useful in the often-depleted soils of the highlands and coast. This allows the innoit to cultivate large surpluses of maize, quinoa, coca, and potatoes; even in challenging environments.
Wanu is dense and occasionally crusted in yellow or brown where salt or mineral content is higher. When fresh, it is moist and clumpy. Once harvested, it is sun-dried to prevent fermentation and crushed into a fine, powdery substance, but remains highly soluble.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Wanu is composed of the droppings of seabirds like windrunners, boobies, and pelicans, whose fish-heavy diet created a nutrient-rich material that also improves soil texture and moisture retention; boosting long-term fertility for soil enrichment.
Industrial Use
Wanu is applied in measured quantities depending on crop type and terrain. On terraced farms, it is mixed into the soil layers to prevent runoff and erosion. Along coastal plains, it is added before the planting and often mixed with composted llama dung or other organic matter for balance.
Hazards
However, localized acidification of soils is possible if wanu is applied without dilution or in excess. Illness exposure is also a concern during collection from the guano-covered islands; particularly, respiratory irritation for those harvesting or applying it, and inhaled as a dry powder.
Distribution
Storage
Colcas
The substance is kept covered, on elevated shelves in cool rooms to avoid moisture buildup, fermentation or leaching. This way, stores last multiple growing seasons without degradation.
Type
Biomaterial
Value
High
Rarity
Common
Odor
Acrid
Color
Pale White to Greyish Power
Common State
Solid
Related Locations
Comments