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Near-term lander experiments for growing plants on Mars: requirements for information on chemical and physical properties of Mars regolithIn order to support humans for long-duration missions to Mars, bioregenerative Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems have been proposed that would use higher plants as the primary candidates for photosynthesis. Hydroponic technologies have been suggested as the primary method of plant production in ALS systems, but the use of Mars regolith as a plant growth medium may have several advantages over hydroponic systems. The advantages for using Mars regolith include the likely bioavailability of plant-essential ions, mechanical support for plants, and easy access of the material once on the surface. We propose that plant biology experiments must be included in near-term Mars lander missions in order to begin defining the optimum approach for growing plants on Mars. Second, we discuss a range of soil chemistry and soil physics tests that must be conducted prior to, or in concert with, a plant biology experiment in order to properly interpret the results of plant growth studies in Mars regolith. The recommended chemical tests include measurements on soil pH, electrical conductivity and soluble salts, redox potential, bioavailability of essential plant nutrients, and bioavailability of phytotoxic elements. In addition, a future plant growth experiment should include procedures for determining the buffering and leaching requirements of Mars regolith prior to planting. Soil physical tests useful for plant biology studies in Mars regolith include bulk density, particle size distribution, porosity, water retention, and hydraulic conductivity.
Document ID
20040087942
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Schuerger, Andrew C.
(NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach FL United States)
Ming, Douglas W.
Newsom, Horton E.
Ferl, Robert J.
McKay, Christopher P.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: Life support & biosphere science : international journal of earth space
Volume: 8
Issue: 4-Mar
ISSN: 1069-9422
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-8804
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Center JSC
NASA Discipline Life Support Systems
NASA Center KSC
NASA Discipline Life Sciences Technologies

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