"Unlocking Lunar Agriculture: Earth's Microbes Pave the Way for Moon Crop Cultivation"

Microbes found on Earth have the potential to unlock vital nutrients in lunar soil, allowing for the growth of plants on the moon. Previous research has shown that lunar soil contains elements necessary for plant growth, raising hopes for sustainable farming on the moon. However, the soil lacks carbon and nitrogen compounds and has insoluble elements that plants struggle to absorb. In a new study, researchers experimented with microbes to convert insoluble phosphorus in simulated lunar soil into a soluble form. The bacteria successfully increased the amount of soluble phosphorus, resulting in improved plant growth. Further research will explore the combination of these bacteria with algae or compost to enhance plant growth on the moon.