'Giant Leap' For Agriculture On Mars: Mixed Cultivation Increases The Chance Of Success

Scientists from Wageningen University & Research have made an important discovery in their research into space agriculture. The use of mixed cultivation appears to have a positive effect on plant growth in the infertile soil of Mars. According to the researchers, this discovery is of great importance, because the use of mixed cultivation in space agriculture can contribute to the self-sufficiency of future colonies on Mars.

Mixed cropping is an age-old, proven agricultural method that has now been applied for the first time in space agriculture research. In mixed cultivation, different crops are planted together. By combining crops that reinforce each other, for example by improving soil quality or repelling pests, this can lead to a higher yield. The researchers conclude that it is effective in space agriculture. In their research, it led to higher yields and more efficient use of scarce resources such as water and nutrients. Mixed cultivation could be the key to our future on Mars, especially during the first missions, the researchers think.

The research team consists of astrobiologist Rebeca Gonçalves, Mars expert Wieger Wamelink and agricultural systems expert Jochem Evers. For the study, the researchers grew peas, carrots and tomatoes in a Mars regolith simulant ('regolith' is the technical term for a soil where no organic material or life is present). This Martian environment, developed by a team of researchers at NASA, gives a good match to the real Martian soil. It is used by NASA itself to test the vehicles that go on Mars missions.

According to the researchers, the use of intercropping can be a game changer for the local production of fresh food during exploration missions on alien planets. It can increase the food security and self-sufficiency of a colony on Mars, which is crucial for the independence of colonies and for the future of long-term settlement of humans on Mars, our moon and beyond.

"What's more, all the technology we've developed for a self-sustaining colony on Mars can be directly applied to improving agricultural systems here on Earth," said lead researcher Rebeca Gonçalves. “Today, 40% of the world's agricultural land has been affected by human activity or climate change, affecting approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide. Space agriculture research can provide valuable insights for resilient agricultural practices on Earth, especially for the restoration of dry and degraded soils.”

Gonçalves therefore sees opportunities for tackling agricultural problems on earth: "I believe that this type of research has great potential to provide out-of-the-box solutions that can make a major contribution to tackling climate change and ensuring food security for people." What we learn from growing crops on Mars can be translated practically and directly to agriculture on Earth as we discover how to restore depleted soils while developing an efficient, self-sustaining food production system – exactly where the research is. is aimed at Martian agriculture - then we can solve two problems at the same time.”