In the latest research conducted by scientists, it has been revealed that it is possible to cultivate the soil and grow plants on the Moon.
Decades have passed since humanity visited the lunar surface, but research on the Moon is in full swing. In the latest research conducted by scientists, it has been revealed that it is possible to cultivate the soil and grow plants on the Moon.
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The experiment of growing plants on the lunar surface called regolith was successful. When NASA sends Artemis astronauts back to the lunar surface in the coming years, they’ll now be able to grow their own salad ingredients.
Mustard grass was grown on the lunar soil!
The seeds of hardol grass were placed in small regolith samples collected from the lunar surface about 50 years ago. The seeds managed to germinate and grow in this environment. But the research revealed that the plants are not fully developed.
Stephen Elardo from the University of Florida made the following statements on the subject:
There are not many nutrients needed to support the growth of plants in lunar soils
While it is revealed that plants are not developing enough, it is clear that they do not get enough nutrients. But the seeds began to bloom relatively quickly, with the help of the team that provided them with light, water and nutrients.
Paul, a professor of Plant Sciences at the University of Florida, said in a statement:
Two days later they began to sprout. Everything sprouted. I can’t tell you how surprised we are! Whether in the lunar sample or in the control group, all the plants looked the same until day six.
At the end of their first week, plants in the regolith began to see slower growth, some red dots, stunted roots and leaves. A later genetic analysis confirmed that mustard grasses were under stress.
Although the lunar regolith is very fine-grained and powder-shaped, the grains have a very sharp-edged structure. Inhaling regolith dust can damage the lungs, and this does not create a very favorable environment for plant life.
Growing plants on the Moon will help provide not only food for astronauts and other visitors, but also clean air and water. In this way, it is stated that longer-term visits can be made to the Moon.
