Hungarian researchers cultivate plants using simulated moon soil
Researchers have achieved success in cultivating mustard plants in soil that simulates the lunar surface.
TroibNews 
Researchers in Hungary have made a significant advancement that could help humanity move closer to establishing a presence on the moon. At the Hungarian University of Agriculture, scientists have successfully cultivated mustard plants in soil that simulates the lunar surface.
In a laboratory located north of Budapest, the research team dedicated six weeks to growing plants in two types of artificial lunar soil: one designed to represent highland areas and the other simulating the lunar mare, or sea.
"The lunar soil has no organic compounds to feed the plant," stated György Barkó, a senior researcher at the university. "So we had to develop a technology to support plant growth sustainably."
The project emphasizes developing a sustainable growing method rather than focusing on large-scale crop production. Barkó noted that Hungary's strategy is distinct from that of other nations conducting similar experiments.
"Other countries are planting 10,000 different seeds in 10,000 different soil samples," Barkó observed. "It's a kind of trial and error to see what's working, what's not working. Maybe something is growing, but making it a sustainable way is a different story."
To promote sustainability, the research team is testing bioengineered bacteria and customized nutrients to create a suitable medium for agricultural crops. Their future plans include growing lettuce, beans, and even small fruit-bearing plants, paralleling humanity’s ancient agricultural practices in the Fertile Crescent.
"This is like what humans did in Mesopotamia thousands of years ago. Now, we're doing it on the moon," Barkó remarked.
The researchers are also addressing one of the most significant obstacles on the moon: the scarcity of water. Given the high costs associated with transporting water from Earth, they are investigating methods to extract water from lunar materials or recycle it.
"We are investigating how to generate electricity," Barkó explained. "Electricity and energy is everything. If you have energy, you can use this kind of energy to generate water from different kinds of minerals like copper sulfate. If you heat it, you can generate water."
While the mustard plants have shown successful growth, the team is waiting for test results to confirm whether they are safe for consumption. Should the plants prove edible, this achievement could signal a pivotal moment for extended lunar missions.
The experiment contributes to worldwide initiatives aimed at making the moon more livable for humans. Researchers are optimistic that their discoveries will set the stage for growing other crops and sustaining life beyond Earth.
In the meantime, the Hungarian team is focused on refining its methods, bringing us closer to the prospect of lunar agriculture.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a laboratory located north of Budapest, the research team dedicated six weeks to growing plants in two types of artificial lunar soil: one designed to represent highland areas and the other simulating the lunar mare, or sea.
"The lunar soil has no organic compounds to feed the plant," stated György Barkó, a senior researcher at the university. "So we had to develop a technology to support plant growth sustainably."
The project emphasizes developing a sustainable growing method rather than focusing on large-scale crop production. Barkó noted that Hungary's strategy is distinct from that of other nations conducting similar experiments.
"Other countries are planting 10,000 different seeds in 10,000 different soil samples," Barkó observed. "It's a kind of trial and error to see what's working, what's not working. Maybe something is growing, but making it a sustainable way is a different story."
To promote sustainability, the research team is testing bioengineered bacteria and customized nutrients to create a suitable medium for agricultural crops. Their future plans include growing lettuce, beans, and even small fruit-bearing plants, paralleling humanity’s ancient agricultural practices in the Fertile Crescent.
"This is like what humans did in Mesopotamia thousands of years ago. Now, we're doing it on the moon," Barkó remarked.
The researchers are also addressing one of the most significant obstacles on the moon: the scarcity of water. Given the high costs associated with transporting water from Earth, they are investigating methods to extract water from lunar materials or recycle it.
"We are investigating how to generate electricity," Barkó explained. "Electricity and energy is everything. If you have energy, you can use this kind of energy to generate water from different kinds of minerals like copper sulfate. If you heat it, you can generate water."
While the mustard plants have shown successful growth, the team is waiting for test results to confirm whether they are safe for consumption. Should the plants prove edible, this achievement could signal a pivotal moment for extended lunar missions.
The experiment contributes to worldwide initiatives aimed at making the moon more livable for humans. Researchers are optimistic that their discoveries will set the stage for growing other crops and sustaining life beyond Earth.
In the meantime, the Hungarian team is focused on refining its methods, bringing us closer to the prospect of lunar agriculture.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
