Is it possible to grow plants on Mars?

Moreover, not all plants can be grown given the condition, environment, and elements available on Mars. The planet is characterized by low light and this makes it difficult to grow certain plants but those plants or vegetables that can thrive very well on low light can be grown here such as beans, tomatoes, corn, legumes, and many root plants. Because of this condition, some researchers have concluded that plants like carrots may do well in that environment. In the same way, potatoes may not do well when it is cultivated on Mars because conditions available there cannot support the growth in that planet.

Other plants like dandelions would do well in that environment. The environments there are more favorable for the growth of such plants. This does not only grow but can grow quickly. It is good news because every part of that plant is known to be edible and it is also highly nutritional. Certain other plants can thrive within the artificial environment created such as lettuce, microgreens, spinach, arugula as well as garlic, peas, kale, and even onions.

Mars is closer to earth but it is not air-like. Years of evolution have caused Mars to lose some of those things that could have survived human lives on the planet. Billions of years ago, if historical research is anything to go by, there was no much difference between Mars and earth. The planet once has a hospitable environment and can boast of temperate climate as well as life. With time it begins to lose some of these things that can support life such as water. There is no water on the Mars surface and what is available below the surface is ice water. Besides the planet features icy polar regions and comes with a cold which no living organism can survive without aid.

Because of these harsh conditions that are available on the planet, it is not possible to grow plants in their natural environment. The journey to land humans on earth started many years ago. It is expected that within the next few decades that the dream would come true. When humans land on Mars they must eat before they can survive. Because of that extensive research was done on the kind of environment and the best way of cultivating and supporting plant growth on the planet was experimented on. Greenhouses were created and pressurized and given the kind of environment needed to grow plants. Such greenhouses would be transported to Mars.

Continue Reading “What kind of food to grow?” on the Seventh page To See More!