Microbiologists named a plant that could be grown on Martian soil

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Microbiologists from the University of Iowa studied plants and selected the most suitable for growing on Mars. Study published On PLOS One.

According to the researchers, the most suitable candidate for landing on Martian soil turned out to be clover (a perennial forage plant related to legumes). This plant will be able to survive in volcanic soil that mimics the Martian regolith.

Martian soil consists of sparse and poorly water-retaining volcanic basalt due to a lack of organic carbon. Scientists planted turnip and clover seeds in the “Martian” soil. It turned out that turnip could not survive in these conditions, while clover, on the contrary, gave good results.

Moreover, scientists made fertilizer from clover for other unpretentious plants. This helped increase turnip yields by 311% after top dressing.

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