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Weaker gravity, stronger energy radiation and a rarer atmosphere are the main effects that can modify the soil. In early October, an experiment to fill this knowledge gap went to the International Space Station.
The aim of the Soil Health in Space experiment is to evaluate how the soil groups formed by fungi and bacteria change under conditions of microgravity.
The size distribution of the sod is very important because it determines how well the soil is hydrated and how the roots of the plants take root there. In addition, the organic matter in the sod remains undisturbed for longer, so the soil remains fertile for a long time.
The experiment will examine the formation and persistence of tufts of different sizes in three soils of different composition: peat, rich in organic and clayey substances. Soil evolution at different humidity, nutrient content and the ability to fly freely in microgravity conditions will be examined.
If it turns out that the soil is developing in a similar way to that on Earth, similar results can be expected on Mars. A better understanding of soil development under extreme conditions can also help the Earth make agriculture more sustainable.
Read more about the research and the general concept on the Deep Space Ecology website.
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