Biological Augmentation of Off-World Regolith using Aeroponics to Support Regenerative Cropping Operations

In order to support sustainable agricultural operations on Mars it is imperative that Martian surface minerals be augmented in order to support plant life. It has been identified through previous research that the addition of organic matter and removal of salts is necessary for the successful enrichment of Martian regolith. However, there is currently limited technology that enriches Martian surface minerals using plants and microbial activity, despite these life forms being key actors in the formation of soil on Earth. Aeroponics are a likely cultivation method for off-world colonies, with potential capabilities yet unexplored for enriching Martian surface minerals. The space technology proposed is to utilize Martian regolith simulant as a filter for aeroponics in which wheat will be grown. Aeroponics wash organic products from root systems and recirculate nutrients that will constantly inundate the Martian regolith simulant. It is likely that there are several mechanical benefits to using the regolith in aeroponics, such as filtering organic products that would otherwise abrade pumps and clog spray nozzles. It is hypothesized that after the growth of one crop of wheat in aeroponics, the enriched regolith can be removed from the aeroponic system and used as a fertile soil to grow wheat. This space technology corresponds to TABS 7.1.3.17 – biological technology – with the aim to produce a soil product from Martian regolith capable of being used for long term production of food on Mars.

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