Scientists from the United States and Brazil have published a review examining the potential of fungi to support agriculture on the Moon and Mars. The research, which appeared in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, investigates how beneficial microorganisms might transform inhospitable extraterrestrial soil into material suitable for growing crops.
Lunar and Martian regolith present significant challenges for agriculture, as the soil lacks essential nutrients required for plant growth, particularly nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Beneficial fungi offer a potential solution, as these organisms play a critical role in nutrient cycling on Earth and can facilitate nutrient uptake for plants even under adverse conditions. The research team examined various fungal species already documented to enhance plant growth and identified candidates that have demonstrated success aboard the International Space Station.
One particularly promising group is arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which have been studied in botanical research since the mid-19th century. These fungi form partnerships with plant roots and effectively extend the root system at a microscopic level, enabling plants to access and absorb nutrients more efficiently. This characteristic could prove especially valuable in nutrient-poor environments where plants must maximize their ability to extract limited resources while withstanding harsh growing conditions.
The researchers acknowledge that additional testing will be necessary before fungi-based approaches can be implemented in actual space farming systems. Future studies must evaluate how well these organisms function with genuine lunar and Martian regolith samples rather than simulated materials. If effective, the strategy could enable astronauts to cultivate larger and more dependable crops on the Moon and Mars while significantly reducing the requirement to transport food supplies from Earth, supporting the viability of long-term human settlements beyond our planet.
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