Mars Versus the Moon

Ecologists have revealed that gardening and cultivation are more suited to the Martian soil than the lunar dust associated with the moon.

After running simulated tests in specially regulated greenhouses using NASA approved artificial soils, Ecologist Wieger Wamelink planted a variety of seeds and plants, including clover, lupine, arnica, tomato, rye, carrot and cress, and observed growth patterns over 50 days.

Lunar soil proved to be a very difficult environment for the development of plants with high levels of aluminium toxicity severely affecting growth.

On the opposite end of the scale, Martian soil proved to contain nutritious elements that helped cultivate and feed the plants.

It is important to remember that these experiments were conducted in a highly regulated environment, and doesn’t necessarily point to the red planet turning green anytime soon. However, these are encouraging signs as humanity gears up for future Mars expeditions.