Scientists hope to make Mars green one day, according to a new study in Icarus. The journal details NASA is helping scientists learn how they could possibly start food production or more on the red planet. In situ use of resources, which basically replace the objects commonly found on earth, for use either to establish a community there or to farm for people on our planet. But throwing a bunch of Miracle-Gro into a spacecraft is not very practical. Researchers are trying to estimate how difficult it is for the soil on our neighboring planet to grow organic life. This is a huge task that would change Mars dramatically if it were successful. But at the moment, the terrain of the planet is the stuff of science fiction. But one day it may really be possible if multiple societies pay attention to the task at hand. Regolith, Mars soil, contains elements such as calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium. But the rocks on the surface are so oxidized, coupled with concerns about atmospheric conditions that there is still a long way to go. Keep your eyes on the sky for now.
“It is known that soil on Mars contains the majority of the essential nutrients on the planet, but many questions about the benefits (eg the bioavailability of current nutrients) and the limitations (eg the extent of toxins) of Martian soil as a plant growth medium. is unanswered. said in the Icarus article.
Andrew Palmer, associate professor of ocean engineering and marine sciences, 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 that we should rather say that Mars is a diverse planet, rather than saying that this simulant grows plants so that it can grow plants all over Mars. ‘
‘The simulation of the mineral composition or salt content of these Martian mixtures can tell us a lot about the potential fertility of the soil. Things like nutrients, salinity, pH are part of what makes the soil fertile and knowing where the soil of Mars is in that spectrum is the key to knowing if it is viable and if not, there are viable solutions to use. can become viable, ”Laura Fackrell, a doctoral student in UGA geology, told The Next Web.
Do you think we will see Mars grow food in our lifetime? Or is it just a little too far-fetched? Let us know in the comments!