Could this fungus turn Mars into farmland? Scientists say it might make Martian soil fertile
Scientists have identified some forms of fungi that have been proven to play a key role in turning Martian soil barren into fertile soil in which plants can grow during future space travel missions to the planet. In their research about fungi that can be used in agriculture, scientists have established that fungi help increase the nutrient levels, mineral solubilization, lower toxic substances and aid plant growth in infertile Martian regoliths. The discoveries made by scientists and reported in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences have revealed that fungi will play a key role in future agriculture on Mars. This is because the microbes are believed to aid in growing plants using Martian material rather than bringing loads of soil and fertilisers from Earth.
Why Martian soil “regolith” is unsuitable for farming
Gardening on Mars has been a problem that has challenged all future space missions for ages. In contrast to the fertile soil on Earth, regolith on Mars does not have any organic content necessary for growing plants. Moreover, it is a dry and mineral-rich layer of earth that lacks several nutrients that plants need to grow, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
As reported by researchers at the Department of Geological & Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University, Martian soil also consists of toxic substances, including perchlorates that hinder plant development. As stated in the research paper, published in the journal
Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, “Physicochemical constraints of soils on both the Moon and Mars include alkalinity, toxicity of chemical elements and poor availability of essential elements”. Such factors have made normal gardening nearly impossible on these surfaces.
How beneficial Fungi could help crops grow on Mars
This new study is centred around fungi that have been proven to promote plant growth under difficult conditions on Earth. Fungi capable of breaking down minerals, releasing nutrients and improving soil composition through biological means.
Through ‘ Selection of beneficial fungi for plants with the potential to metabolise lunar and Martian regolith’, researchers singled out Trichoderma, Penicillium and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These types of fungi have the ability to act as extensions of plant root systems. They aid in nutrient and water uptake for plants while helping protect against environmental stresses.
According to the study, “Inclusion of plant growth-promoting fungi in agricultural systems using lunar or Martian regolith as a basis would be an important addition to space crops cultivation.”
It is believed that fungi will eventually turn sterile regoliths into biologically active substrates suitable for growing crops. Microorganisms could also play a role in neutralising toxic substances and increasing soil moisture on the red planet.
Scientists have even conducted studies backed by NASA on the ways microorganisms can engineer healthier simulants of Martian soil. According to one NASA-backed project, microbes can “produce soil organic matter containing organic carbon and inorganic nutrients” for agricultural purposes on the red planet.
Fungi and sustainable food production for Mars missions
Any long mission to Mars will have to be done with astronauts who can generate food themselves, rather than depending on food that must come from Earth. It would take up a lot of money and be difficult to carry tonnes of soil and fertiliser all the way through space.
This is why researchers are looking at the idea of ISRU, or in-situ resource utilisation , where people will use resources available on Mars to sustain themselves. This is where mushroom-based farming technology may be crucial for such efforts.
Some research suggests that mushrooms might not just help farm crops but also help in creating materials used in constructing habitats on Mars. The concept is that fungi may even help in creating bio-minerals, which could help make building materials out of Martian regolith.
While farming on Mars has not been attempted yet, researchers think fungi can help in the future colonisation of Mars.
Why Martian soil “regolith” is unsuitable for farming
Gardening on Mars has been a problem that has challenged all future space missions for ages. In contrast to the fertile soil on Earth, regolith on Mars does not have any organic content necessary for growing plants. Moreover, it is a dry and mineral-rich layer of earth that lacks several nutrients that plants need to grow, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
As reported by researchers at the Department of Geological & Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University, Martian soil also consists of toxic substances, including perchlorates that hinder plant development. As stated in the research paper, published in the journal
Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, “Physicochemical constraints of soils on both the Moon and Mars include alkalinity, toxicity of chemical elements and poor availability of essential elements”. Such factors have made normal gardening nearly impossible on these surfaces.
How beneficial Fungi could help crops grow on Mars
This new study is centred around fungi that have been proven to promote plant growth under difficult conditions on Earth. Fungi capable of breaking down minerals, releasing nutrients and improving soil composition through biological means.
Through ‘ Selection of beneficial fungi for plants with the potential to metabolise lunar and Martian regolith’, researchers singled out Trichoderma, Penicillium and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These types of fungi have the ability to act as extensions of plant root systems. They aid in nutrient and water uptake for plants while helping protect against environmental stresses.
According to the study, “Inclusion of plant growth-promoting fungi in agricultural systems using lunar or Martian regolith as a basis would be an important addition to space crops cultivation.”
It is believed that fungi will eventually turn sterile regoliths into biologically active substrates suitable for growing crops. Microorganisms could also play a role in neutralising toxic substances and increasing soil moisture on the red planet.
Scientists have even conducted studies backed by NASA on the ways microorganisms can engineer healthier simulants of Martian soil. According to one NASA-backed project, microbes can “produce soil organic matter containing organic carbon and inorganic nutrients” for agricultural purposes on the red planet.
Fungi and sustainable food production for Mars missions
Any long mission to Mars will have to be done with astronauts who can generate food themselves, rather than depending on food that must come from Earth. It would take up a lot of money and be difficult to carry tonnes of soil and fertiliser all the way through space.
This is why researchers are looking at the idea of ISRU, or in-situ resource utilisation , where people will use resources available on Mars to sustain themselves. This is where mushroom-based farming technology may be crucial for such efforts.
Some research suggests that mushrooms might not just help farm crops but also help in creating materials used in constructing habitats on Mars. The concept is that fungi may even help in creating bio-minerals, which could help make building materials out of Martian regolith.
While farming on Mars has not been attempted yet, researchers think fungi can help in the future colonisation of Mars.
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