New research shows that combining human waste with lunar or Martian soil could help grow crops on the Moon and Mars. Harrison Coker from Texas A&M University explained that organic waste will be essential for creating fertile soil in these off-world bases. This method highlights how we might turn barren regolith into something more conducive to plant life, much like the fictional Mark Watney did in “The Martian.”
Living on the Moon or Mars requires making the most of available resources. With the long journey to Earth, sending supplies regularly is impractical. The soil on these celestial bodies, called “regolith,” lacks the organic material needed for plants to thrive. Although it contains nutrients, they are mostly locked away and unusable.
Many approaches have been tested to unlock these nutrients, like heat treatment and hydroponics, but these methods often rely on importing chemicals and energy from Earth, making them costly. Coker’s team aimed for a more efficient solution, utilizing resources already available on the Moon and Mars.
The researchers collaborated with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, utilizing a system known as the Organic Processing Assembly (OPA). This system processes human waste, transforming it into a nutrient-rich solution safe for plants. They tested this process by combining the effluent from the OPA with simulated regolith. After shaking for 24 hours, they found that the nutrient levels increased significantly, making them accessible for crops.
Interestingly, studies show that lunar regolith may be more beneficial for plant growth than Martian regolith. For instance, experiments in early 2025 indicated that crops fared better with fertilized lunar soil than with Martian soil, which tends to be denser and less oxygen-friendly for plants.
Moreover, Martian soil includes perchlorate, a toxic compound. Research by the Indian Space Research Organisation has shown potential in using bacteria to create materials that could help build habitats on Mars. This method along with other solutions highlights the innovative ways humans might adapt to living on other planets.
As we explore the possibilities of life in outer space, finding ways to cultivate crops will be critical. Coker’s findings remind us that we might not just survive but thrive on the Moon and Mars, making these new frontiers feel a little more like home.
For more in-depth research, you can read the findings published in the journal ACS Earth and Space Chemistry.
