Scientists have successfully grown chickpeas in simulated lunar soil, a development that brings humanity closer to cultivating crops on the Moon. Researchers achieved this by treating the simulated regolith with a symbiotic fungi and worm-produced compost, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. This treatment significantly enhanced the chickpea plants' reproductive capabilities.
Challenges of Lunar Soil for Cultivation
Lunar soil, known as regolith, presents challenges for plant growth.
Lunar soil, known as regolith, presents challenges for plant growth due to high concentrations of metals like aluminum and zinc, a lack of natural microbiomes, and a fine, powder-like consistency that impedes water filtration.
According to Jess Atkin, a Ph.D. candidate at Texas A & M University's Department of Soil & Crop Sciences, arable soil requires both organic matter and microorganisms, neither of which are present on the Moon.
Earth-Inspired Solutions for Lunar Agriculture
The research drew inspiration from Earth's ecosystem, where over 80% of plants form a symbiotic relationship with arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi, a key factor in the evolution of plant roots on land. Chickpeas were selected for the experiment due to their stress tolerance, high protein content, and ability to actively recruit beneficial microorganisms. Vermicompost, derived from worm activity, was chosen as the organic additive, aligning with NASA's logistical reuse strategies for converting waste materials into fertilizer.
Simulating the Lunar Environment
The simulated regolith used in the study is sourced from a Florida lab and is 99% compositionally accurate to the soil found at planned lunar landing sites, including the one for the upcoming Artemis IV mission in 2028.
Research Findings and Future Prospects
The study confirmed that plants can grow and fungi can colonize in 100% simulated lunar soil.
While higher concentrations of regolith resulted in reduced reproduction and fewer chickpea seeds, the size and quality of the seeds remained consistent.
The harvested seeds are currently undergoing analysis for their nutritional value, protein content, and metal accumulation. Future research aims to assess the long-term sustainability of the simulant, with the goal of developing a living lunar soil over multiple generations. This work contributes to the potential for growing diverse crops on the Moon to support future human habitation.