Bird droppings & phosphate were in such high demand that entire islands like Naru were strip mined for it up into the early 1900's. Haber/Bosch did not kick off

Bird droppings & phosphate were in such high demand that entire islands like Naru were strip mined for it up into the early 1900's. Haber/Bosch did not kick off until 1909 leading to manufactured fertilizer. Also death from starvation is a pretty serious health risk.