Abstract

CERONI GALLOSO, Mario. Peru, the country of missed opportunities in science: the case of fertilizers. Rev. Soc. Quím. Perú, Apr./Jun. 2012, vol.78, no.2, p.144-152. ISSN 1810-634X.

Latin America and especially our country have been and are rich in natural resources; but we did not know exploited sustainably; we gave no value added or anticipate what to do when that resource is depleted. The case of natural fertilizers: Saltpeter and guano islands, is a landmark and a lesson learned for us yet. Here is a brief historical review of the exploitation of these resources by the peruvian state, and on the other hand, shows the search and innovations in Europe made to seek an alternative to natural fertilizers from Latin America.

Keywords: fertilizer; guano; saltpeter; ammonia.