10 Plant Could Possibly Homegrown Mars

Illustration Astronauts In Mars

Grownnews: Amsterdam - In an experiment, scientists managed to harvest 10 plants that may be grown on Mars. They do simulation plants that may be grown on land that mimic Mars conditions. These crops include tomatoes, peas, and rye. Although different from the land on Mars on Earth, but scientists concluded under the right conditions the plant may be grown on Mars. With this result, the dream to build a colony on Mars may be getting close.

"The production of biomass in a simulated Martian soil is lower than the control of the Earth, but the difference is small one of which is a low growth rate," said lead researcher Wieger Wamelink of Wageningen University and Researh Center in the Netherlands. According to him, the simulation results are quite surprising that menark. Planting in the Martian soil may be the potential to grow as long as it is properly prepared and watered. The research team also grow the same 10 plants including tomatoes, radishes, beans, leeks, shadows, quinoa and scallions in a simulation similar land on the Moon. As a result, half of these plants are successfully grown half as planting on Mars.

Then, how scientists discovered the land that is chemically miirp to land on Mars or on the Moon? Apparently, there are some of the most extreme places on earth. Martian soil comes from a volcano in Hawaii. Meanwhile, the land on the Moon collected in the deserts of Arizona. Then, the ingredients are mixed with fresh grass clippings. Then, the mixture is put into a tray or pot so it's easier watered. Scientists also make trays were filled by the soil of the Earth as a control. These findings have not been published in the journal. This study also covers only land on Mars simulation. The team has not incorporate other factors such as radiation in space, remnants of the original conditions of Mars or the Moon, as well as the temperature. Wamelik said the results of this plant using simulated Martian soil but using humidity and temperature on earth.

"We expect the growth of the first plants on Mars and the Moon will take place in room temperature to protect plants from environmental damage. But we still can not predict exactly how the conditions of the planet (actually) can affect this process," he said.

The team also has not tested whether the resulting plants can dokunsumsi safely. Keep in mind, the soil may contain heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury are also iron. If this is true substances contained in the soil may also exist in the fruit or plant that makes these plants become toxic. The team is currently raising funds to continue research in April this year.

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