So a common site around the Middle East are pigeon towers. Every country will have a different style that is common to their region.
What is a pigeon tower and why are they needed you ask?
They are a holdover from yesteryear (and by yesteryear, I mean have been used for 1000s of years). While living in a sandy environment, the soil/sand does not have many minerals and nutrients for farming/plants. So the towers were built to provide a place for pigeons to roost and nest. Inside with 100s, even 1000s, of pigeons roosting in the same tower, on the floor there would start to be a build up of guano (bird poop). The guano could then be used as fertilizer.
Now that modern technology provides for synthetic fertilizers, shipping/trading also allows for importation of enriched soils, and I have even signs warning that sprinkler water is not potable as it is gray water, the use of Pigeon Towers is not necessary. Though they are still used as a cultural or traditional reminder of years gone by.
No comments:
Post a Comment