What’s On The Menu For Mars?

Growing crops on Mars is going to play an important part of being able to colonize the red planet. Scientists at the Wageningen University and Research Centre in the Netherlands have been working on growing different crops on Mars and Moon soil simulations. After they gained knowledge from their first experiment they were able to grow ten different types of crops in the second science experiment.

Tomatoes, peas, rye, garden rocket, radish and garden cress were harvested successfully at the culmination of this experiment. The eventual goal of these experiments is to provide the basis for growing crops on Mars and on the moon, in order to feed the first settlers who will eventually be part of the first colonization efforts. Needless to say that the success reflected here will have a direct bearing on just what these people will be able to grow as fresh supplies.

Dr Wieger Wamelink said that the total above ground biomass produced on the Mars soil simulant was not significantly different from the potting compost they used as a control. They used trays instead of pots in the second lot and also added cut grass as an organic manure. The science project showed that the Mars soil simulant has great potential when properly prepared and watered