The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Florida (USA) has conducted a successful experiment in growing plants on lunar soil.

About this Informing Associated Press.

Researchers took soil and dust samples collected during the 1969-1972 Apollo missions and planted the seeds of the revitalizing talia, a plant associated with the water cross. The seeds germinated in two days and surprised them.

However, after the first week, due to the roughness of the soil on the moon and other advantages, small flowers began to develop more slowly than seedlings in normal soil. Most of the lunar vegetation has also faded.

Researchers also say that the closer the soil is to cosmic radiation and solar wind, the more plants will take root. According to scientists, samples from “Apollo 11” were the most favorable for growth, having been in contact with elements for two billion years through the old surface of the Pacific Ocean.

The experiment is being touted as an important step towards solving the problem of food shortages on Earth and enabling humans to live longer on the moon in the distant future.

NASA says it’s time for him because the space agency wants to bring astronauts back to the moon in a few years.

Instead of creating a hydroponic or high-water system, scientists say, the ideal situation would be for future astronauts to use the endless reserves of local soil available for indoor planting.

“If something has sprouted, it means we have a good start, and now the question is how to optimize and improve,” said Sharmila Bhattacharya, a NASA space biologist.

Scientists from Florida hope to repeat the experiment on lunar soil later this year, planting more watercress before switching to other vegetation.

We would like to remind you that the American astronauts on the ISS were able to successfully test the Plant Habitat-04. The first fruits grew in orbit In four pepper plants.

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