As the US is planning a long-term mission to the Moon under the Artemis program, the biggest challenge facing scientists is what the astronauts will eat in space. This challenge has prompted researchers to explore whether crops could be grown directly using materials on the Moon.A recent study led by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University provided an important step toward that goal.In research published in the journal Scientific Reports, scientists successfully grew and harvested chickpeas in simulated “moon dirt,” also known as lunar regolith simulant. Sara Santos, who is the project’s principal investigator, said the work represents a major step toward understanding what food can be grown on the Moon and what future lunar explorers might eat.
How did scientists grow gram in simulated lunar soil?
Researchers at Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin used lunar regolith simulants, or simulated lunar soil, to test whether crops could grow on the Moon. This material is designed to replicate the chemical composition and physical structure of soil found on the Moon.Unlike the composition of Earth’s soil, lunar regolith is devoid of organic matter, microorganisms, or essential nutrients that are fundamentally necessary for plant growth.To create a favorable environment for plant cultivation, the lunar soil composition was mixed with organic fertilizer called vermicompost, which is a byproduct of earthworms.The structure of the chickpea plant was also subject to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which are beneficial microorganisms that help the plant obtain essential nutrients when facing adverse conditions.Several compositions of soil mixture were tested, the findings of which indicated that gram plant is capable of thriving in lunar structure when it is subjected to organic manure.
Why was gram chosen? space farming
The reason for choosing gram for space farming is that it provides high nutritional value for astronauts. Gram is rich in vegetable protein, fiber and vitamins like iron and folate.Gram is also known for its ability to grow in dry environments. They are usually cultivated in semi-arid areas and can tolerate water stress and harsh conditions.Grams are also legumes. Legumes interact with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots. This biological process converts atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can absorb and contributes to soil fertility.
What do the findings mean for future lunar missions
Cultivation of chickpea in simulated lunar soil provides relevant data for space exploration, especially for the missions that NASA plans to send under the Artemis program in the near future. To allow astronauts to remain on the Moon for long periods of time, the ability to produce their own food must be acquired. This study shows that plants can survive by using the organic matter and microbes in the lunar soil.Although studies indicate that plants can survive in lunar soil, the soil contains certain components that are harmful to plant survival.Furthermore, the Moon has no atmosphere, stable temperatures, or natural water. However, the future focus should be on the development and implementation of controlled agricultural practices, such as greenhouses, that would be able to provide the necessary conditions necessary for plant survival in lunar soil.