Chickpeas grown in simulated lunar soil could bring astronauts one step closer to producing fresh food during long-term missions on the moon.
Researchers reported they produced harvestable chickpeas using soil mixes made mostly of “moon dirt” simulated from lunar samples collected during NASA’s Apollo missions. The work was carried out in a climate-controlled growth chamber at Texas A&M University.
Seeds from a chickpea variety called “Myles” were coated with beneficial fungi and planted in a blend of simulated lunar soil and vermicompost, a nutrient-rich material produced by earthworms breaking down organic waste.
Chickpeas Grown in Simulated Lunar Soil: How the Experiment Worked
The team used a lunar regolith simulant supplied by a Florida-based company and tested different ratios of the simulant in the growing medium.
They found harvestable chickpeas could grow in mixtures containing up to 75% lunar simulant. However, as the amount of regolith increased, the number of harvestable chickpeas dropped, even though the size of chickpeas stayed stable.
Plants grown in 100% lunar simulant failed to produce flowers and seeds and died early, according to the report.
Why Moon Farming Matters for Future Bases
With the United States and China planning future lunar missions, researchers say local food production will be important for sustaining long-term bases.
Chickpeas are seen as a strong candidate crop because they are high in protein and other essential nutrients. Researchers also note that growing plants could support life-support systems, including oxygen production, for future settlements.
Are “Moon Chickpeas” Safe to Eat?
Researchers said the chickpeas have not been eaten yet because they are being tested for metal accumulation.
Lunar regolith and simulants can contain high levels of metals such as aluminium and iron. Iron is an essential plant nutrient, whereas aluminium can be harmful if consumed in excess.
The beneficial fungi appeared to help chickpea roots absorb essential nutrients while reducing heavy-metal uptake. The microorganisms also helped bind loose regolith particles, making the material behave more like Earth soil.
