Scientists hope to become green Mars one day, according to a new study in Icarus. Details from NASA’s Practical Journal help scientists learn how to start producing one or more foods on the red planet. The use of in situ resources, practically replacing objects commonly found on Earth, to be used both in establishing a community there or in agriculture for people back on our planet. But throwing a bunch of Miracle-Gro in a space shuttle is not very practical. Researchers are trying to estimate how difficult it would be for the soil on our neighboring planet to grow organic life. It is a Herculean task that would dramatically change Mars if successful. But for now, terraforming the planet is a matter of science fiction. But one day, it could be really possible if more companies put their minds to work. Regolite, the soil of Mars, contains elements such as calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium. But the rocks on the surface are so oxidized, along with concerns about weather conditions, that there is a long way to go. For now, keep your eyes on the sky.
“Mars soil is known to contain most of the planet’s essential nutrients, but many questions are about both the benefits (eg, bioavailability of nutrients present) and the limitations (eg, extent of toxins) of Martian soil as a growth medium. plants remain unanswered, “said researchers in the article Icarus.
Andrew Palmer, an associate professor of ocean engineering and marine science, told Florida Tech News: “These findings highlight that ISRU food solutions are likely to be at a lower level of technological readiness than previously thought. Our strategy was, rather than saying that this simulant grows plants, so that we can grow plants everywhere on Mars, we have to say that Mars is a diverse planet ”.
“Simulating the mineral makeup or salt content of these Martian mixtures can tell us a lot about the potential of soil fertility. Things like nutrients, salinity, pH are part of what makes a soil fertile, and understanding where Mars’s soils are in this spectrum is essential to knowing if they are viable and if not, there are feasible solutions that can be used. to make them viable, ”said Laura Fackrell, a UGA PhD candidate in geology for The Next Web.
Do you think we will see Mars growing food during our lifetime? Or is it a little too exaggerated? Tell us in the comments!