Soil just right for red unions on Mars

NASA via Wikimedia Commons

Researchers in the Netherlands have been attempting to grow crops in soils created to simulate conditions on the Red Planet and also the Moon.

Scientists at Wageningen University & Research Centre were concerned that even if food grew it would contain metals which would be toxic to humans. But experiments growing tomatoes, peas, radishes and rye proved that the crops were not only safe but possibly healthier than those grown in Earth soil.

"For radish, pea, rye and tomato we did a preliminary analysis and the results are very promising," says Wieger Wamelink. "We can eat them."

The research showed that only radishes had high levels of aluminium, iron and nickel. They also grew significantly less well in lunar soil.

But scientists think that the problem may just be on the outside and washing away the soil would make them safe for eating.

The researchers are now planning tests on green beans, rocket and spinach and potatoes and are due to carry out further testing on vitamins, flavonoids, and alkaloids in the crops.

Nasa has said that it wants to establish a Mars colony by the 2030s. - ©The Daily Telegraph

"The project is being crowd-funded. To donate, go to crowdfunding.wageningenur.nl/project/planten-kweken-op-mars

Source: The Times