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Scientists hope one day to make Mars green according to a new study in Icarus. The Journal Basically Details NASA is helping scientists learn how they could start or more food production on the Red Planet. Use of in situ resources, essentially replacing objects commonly found on Earth, for use both to establish community there or to cultivate people on our planet. But throwing a bunch of Miracle-Gro into a space shuttle isn’t very practical. Researchers are trying to estimate how difficult it would be for the soil on our neighboring planet to develop organic life. It’s a Herculean task that would dramatically alter Mars if successful. But, for now, the terraforming of the planet is science fiction. But, one day, it might really be possible if more than one company got on the job. Regolith, 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 atmospheric conditions, that there is a long way to go. For now, keep your eyes skyward.
“Soil on Mars is known to contain the majority of the planet’s essential nutrients, but there are many questions about both the benefits (eg bioavailability of current nutrients) and limitations (eg the extent of toxins) of Martian soil as a medium for plant growth remain unanswered, ”the researchers said in the article from Icarus.
Andrew Palmer, associate professor of ocean engineering and marine sciences, told Florida Tech News: “These results underscore that ISRU food solutions are probably at a lower technological readiness level than previously thought. Our strategy was, rather than saying that this simulant grows plants so that we can grow plants all over Mars, we have to say that Mars is a diverse planet ”.
“Simulating the mineral composition or the salt content of these Martian mixtures can tell us a lot about the potential fertility of the soil. Elements such as nutrients, salinity, and pH are part of what makes a soil fertile and understanding where Mars soils are found in this spectrum is essential to knowing if they are viable and, if not, y does there any workable solutions that can be used to make them viable. ”Laura Fackrell, UGA geology doctoral candidate, told The Next Web.
Do you think we’ll see Mars growing food in our lifetimes? Or is it just a little too far-fetched? Let us know in the comments!
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