BAT GUANO
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
What is Bat Guano?
Guano is the accumulated excrement of seabirds or bats. Guano is a highly effective fertilizer due to the high content of nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, and essential nutrients.
Bat guano is partially decomposed bat excrement and has an organic matter content greater than 40%, is a source of nitrogen, and may contain up to 6% available phosphate.
The faeces of insectivorous bats consist of fine particles of insect exoskeleton, which are largely composed of chitin. Elements found in large concentrations include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements needed for plant growth. Bat guano is slightly alkaline with an average pH of 7.25.
Bat guano under a microscope reveals tiny particles of insects which is primarily chitin.
Chitin from insect exoskeletons is an essential compound needed by soil fungi to grow and expand. Chitin is a major component of fungal cell wall membranes. The growth of beneficial fungi adds to soil fertility
Bat guano is found in caves throughout the world. Many cave ecosystems are wholly dependent on bats to provide nutrients via their guano which supports bacteria, fungi, invertebrates, and vertebrates.
Risks From Inhaling Bat Guano.
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When these microscopic spores from the dried bat guano are inhaled by humans, it can cause a serious respiratory disease called histoplasmosis. Disturbing the dirt (cleaning up the garden, sweeping out the empty building, or doing other seemingly harmless dirty work), may cause histoplasma spores to become airborne.