A group of researchers out of the Lonestar State are shooting for the stars, looking to see if the red planet could ever be home to farmland. Researchers at Texas A&M, in conjunction with NASA, are studying how crops might grow in Martian-like soil conditions. The work could influence controlled environment agriculture here on Earth.
The researchers are looking at how plants grow in limited gravity environments, and they’ve even sent some experiments up to the international space station. Additionally, the researchers have partnered with a Texas-based brewer, looking at how spent grains can boost soil health on Mars. Officials say these kinds of studies are crucial to any future efforts around space colonization.