Chickpeas have successfully grown and been harvested in simulated moon dirt, a new study says
ABC News • • general
Key Points:
- Scientists have successfully grown chickpeas in simulated lunar soil by treating it with symbiotic fungi and worm-produced compost, significantly improving plant reproduction.
- Lunar soil's high metal content, lack of microbiome, and powdery texture make it inhospitable for plants, but adding organic matter and microorganisms helped overcome these challenges.
- The study used chickpeas due to their stress tolerance, high protein content, and ability to recruit beneficial microorganisms, differing from typical space crops like leafy greens and tomatoes.
- The simulated lunar soil, 99% compositionally accurate to actual moon dirt, was sourced to mimic conditions at upcoming Artemis IV mission landing sites planned for 2028.
- This research advances the possibility of sustainable crop growth on the moon
