Earthworms can grow well in Martian soil

New research shows that it is possible to live and reproduce smoothly in simulated Martian soil .

Scientists growing hairy vegetables , also known as rocket salads , add fertilizer and earthworms to a model of simulated Mars created by NASA, the worm not only grows well but also reproduces. Success, Science Alert on November 28 reported.

"Certainly fertilizer has helped stimulate growth, especially with the simulated Martian soil. We found worms working very well. But most surprisingly, at the end of the experiment, we discovered two small worms in that land, " said Wieger Wamelink, a biologist at Wageningen University.

Earthworms grow well in simulated soil.(Photo: Science Alert).

Mars earth simulation is an important tool for the study of the red planet. NASA researched this type of soil based on data obtained through space missions.

Simulation land can be used to study the effects of Martian soil and dust on devices such as machines or astronauts. In the last few years, scientists have also tried to find out if plants can grow in Martian soil.

In 2016, Wamelink and his colleagues proved that they can grow vegetables on Martian soil even though it is not as convenient as ordinary land. They continue to conduct other tests, including adding pig manure and worms to the soil.

Earthworms are animals that specialize in digesting decaying parts of plants and converting them into nutrients, at the same time ventilating the soil they dig through. However, the weather conditions in Mars are stiffer than Earth. Soil particles on this planet may also have sharp edges that damage the worm's gastrointestinal tract.

To conduct research, the team of scientists prepared pots of ground vegetables. They compared Martian soil with fine sand, a type of sand used in cultivation to clear the soil. The pots are then grown with vegetables, added fertilizer and finally worms.

"The positive effects of adding fertilizer are not unexpected, but we were surprised when it made the Martian soil better than the smooth sand of the Earth , " Wamelink said.

The earthworm earthworm helps to clear the soil.(Video: YouTube).

However, growing trees on Mars still faces some major obstacles. Plants need to grow in climate-controlled environments to avoid freezing under extreme cold temperatures on Mars. They also need liquid water and radiation protection measures.

These problems can be overcome when using greenhouses. However, there is still another important issue of light. Mars only receives about 60% of the light compared to Earth, meaning that plants on this planet will grow at a rate of only 60% of normal.

To solve this problem, researchers from Utah State University collaborated with NASA to develop a light-guide system for plants. Meanwhile, Wamelink continues to conduct research with simulated Martian soil. He said, soil plants simulate safety with humans.