Anicet Mbida 6:53 am, October 19, 2021
Every day, Anicet Mbida makes us discover an innovation that could well change the way we consume.
This Tuesday, he is interested in American researchers who have discovered a bacterium that only needs to be injected into the plant for it to grow, even in sterile Martian soil.
The innovation of the day is once again reality that goes beyond fiction. We did more than in the film "Alone on Mars". We managed to grow plants directly in Martian soil.
Let's start by recalling the plot of the film for those who would not have seen it: Matt Damon, after an accident, finds himself stranded on Mars.
He uses his botanical knowledge to grow potatoes and be able to last for months before help arrives.
These potatoes, he manages to grow them using the droppings of the crew.
Why ?
Because Martian soil is toxic.
There are none of the nutrients that a plant needs to thrive.
Rather than making a breeding ground with excrement, American researchers have discovered a bacterium that only needs to be injected into the plant for it to grow, even in sterile Martian soil.
And it works ?
They still did not go to March to verify.
No, they reproduced a soil identical to that found on Mars.
Then they injected a bacteria capable of fixing nitrogen into clover, and it grew quite normally.
This gives a lot of hope for future missions.
Mars is so far away that we cannot envisage refueling (as with the International Space Station).
It is therefore reassuring to know that we could grow food on the spot.
Is it outdoor cultivation or greenhouse cultivation?
For the moment, it is in a greenhouse.
We need a controlled atmosphere close to terrestrial conditions.
But the ultimate objective is to succeed in "terraforming" March, that is to say to grow trees, flowers, to recreate streams ... to have living conditions. close to those we know on earth.
But it remains a fantasy.
In the meantime, let's try rather to preserve our planet, before trying to colonize another.