Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The challenge of cultivating crops on the moon due to nutrient deficiencies in lunar regolith takes a significant stride forward, thanks to groundbreaking research conducted at China Agricultural University.
According to a report by New Scientist, a science magazine covering science and technology, Zhencai Sun and his team have pinpointed three strains of phosphorus-producing bacteria—Bacillus mucilaginosus, Bacillus megaterium, and Pseudomonas fluorescens—as key players in transforming lunar soil into a more hospitable environment for plant growth.
These bacteria played a vital role by converting calcium phosphate, a phosphorus form inaccessible to plants, into a bioavailable state essential for robust plant development.
In three weeks, the introduction of these bacteria resulted in a remarkable surge of over 200 percent in phosphorus levels within simulated lunar soil, showcasing their unparalleled ability to enhance nutrient profiles.
Tobacco plants (Nicotiana benthamiana) cultivated in soil enriched with these bacteria exhibit extraordinary advancements, displaying elongated stems, roots, and an impressive overall biomass compared to their counterparts in untreated lunar soil.
Plants nurtured in bacteria-treated soil demonstrated a fourfold increase in weight, underlining the potential for substantial and sustainable plant growth on the moon with the assistance of these phosphorus-producing microorganisms.
Notably, the bacteria-laden samples showcased chlorophyll levels exceeding 100 percent higher after 24 days, underscoring the positive impact on the plants' capacity to convert light into vital chemical energy for growth.
This pivotal breakthrough not only surmounts existing challenges but also propels lunar agriculture into a realm of unprecedented possibilities, crucial for future space exploration and potential colonization endeavours.
By effectively addressing nutrient deficiencies in lunar soil, the integration of phosphorus-producing bacteria marks a critical milestone in the journey toward establishing self-sustaining ecosystems, laying the foundation for prolonged human habitation beyond Earth.