Getting to Mars is obviously no child’s play. But once astronomers figure out completely how to land there, they’ll have to grow some plants on the Martian soil as well. While the Red Planet doesn’t have any plants now, as far as we know, there are plenty to choose from on Earth that astronomers could take on our neighboring planet as well.
Therefore, what plant should astronomers first start growing on Mars? According to ScienceAlert, a new study claims to have the big answer. Elon Musk believes that the world still needs about 20 to 30 years in order to witness the landing of the first astronauts on Mars. Either way, it would only be helpful to figure out how to grow some crops there.
Growing alfalfa plants would be the key
The new study in question claims that alfalfa plants are those capable of surviving and growing in the Martian soil, which is not as nurturing as the one from our planet. Alfalfa plants could even be used as fertilizer for growing some foods. Extra nutrients are needed in the soil in order to allow plants to grow on the Red Planet, and scientists are confident that alfalfa plants can solve the problem.
In their study paper published in PLOS ONE, the researchers said:
The low nutrient content of martian soil and high salinity of water render them unfit for direct use for propagating food crops on Mars. It is therefore essential to develop strategies to enhance nutrient content in Mars soil and to desalinate briny water for long-term missions on Mars.
Growing crops on Mars may sound like a sci-fi scenario, but it is possible, at least in theory. Perhaps anyone who will try it can learn a thing or two from Matt Damon’s role in “The Martian” movie that came out in 2015.