<h5>Who has grown chickpeas in moondust?</h5><p>Jessica Atkin, a student at Texas A&amp;M University, has grown chickpeas on simulated moondust. This is the first time anyone has done this. Simulated moondust was used as there is insufficient lunar dust on Earth available for research. Atkin collaborated on this project with another researcher from Brown University, USA.</p><p>Atkin utilised Earth's soil regeneration methods to create fertile moondust by combining beneficial soil fungus and vermicompost. The fungi help protect plant roots from the toxins in the dust. They also help the plant absorb water and nutrients more effectively. Vermicompost can help provide nutrients and modify the physical qualities of lunar dust.</p><p>Later, she used the moondust to grow chickpeas successfully.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/student-grows-chickpeas-in-moondust%2FChickpea%20plants.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=fb84480b-4d99-4d14-a071-170cfd750f01"><figcaption>The chickpea plants. Photo by Texas A&amp;M Today.</figcaption></figure><h5>How can her research help?</h5><p>Jessica Atkin’s successful research can pave the way for reducing dependency on packaged foods for future crewed missions. Also, growing plants on the moon has considerable advantages. Firstly, it can help provide a sustainable, nutritious food source for future space travellers, eliminating the need for expensive food resupply missions from Earth.</p><p>Secondly, as we know, the moon's atmosphere is unsuitable for humans. So, plants might potentially provide breathable oxygen for astronauts. So Atkin's research could be the first step towards future lunar agriculture. However, more research is needed, as lunar agriculture is challenging.</p><h5>How challenging is lunar agriculture?</h5><p>Jessica Atkin said that the moon has no soil and only fine dust. This dust lacks organic content, nutrients, etc., required for plant growth. Furthermore, it contains toxic components such as iron and aluminium.</p><p>The toxic contents can destroy plant cells. Furthermore, the lunar environment brings issues such as less gravity, extreme temperatures, etc. All these make it a challenging environment for agriculture. So, more research needs to be done before we can grow vegetables and plants on the moon.</p><p>So, if given a chance, what vegetable would you like to grow on the moon? Tell us in the comments section.</p>

A student at Texas A&M University has successfully grown chickpeas in moondust.

Student Grows Chickpeas in Moondust

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Student Grows Chickpeas in Moondust

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