Scientists Successfully Grow Chickpeas in Simulated Lunar Soil
Researchers have cultivated chickpeas in simulated lunar soil, marking a significant step toward sustainable agriculture for future lunar missions.
Scientists have achieved a milestone in extraterrestrial agriculture by successfully growing chickpeas in simulated lunar soil, as detailed in a study published in Scientific Reports on March 5, 2026.
The research team, led by Jessica Atkin, a doctoral candidate at Texas A&M University's Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, utilized a combination of simulated lunar regolith, vermicompost, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to cultivate the chickpeas. The vermicompost, produced by red wiggler earthworms, provided essential nutrients, while the fungi enhanced nutrient uptake and mitigated the absorption of toxic metals present in the regolith.
The experiments demonstrated that chickpeas could be grown in soil mixtures containing up to 75% simulated lunar regolith. However, higher concentrations led to plant stress and early mortality. Notably, plants inoculated with the fungi exhibited extended survival compared to those without, underscoring the fungi's role in plant health.
This advancement suggests that integrating biological amendments with lunar regolith could facilitate crop cultivation on the Moon, potentially supporting long-term human missions by providing a sustainable food source. Further research is planned to assess the nutritional value and safety of the harvested chickpeas for human consumption.