Martian Horticulture The Feasibility of Using Companion Planting in Conjunction with Enhancers to Cultivate Crops in Simulated Martian Regolith

Grade:

11

Teacher:

Alfred Santos

In the late 2030s, NASA plans to send humans to Mars, where sustainable food production will be essential for long-term survival. This project investigated the feasibility of using companion planting, combined with a plant growth enhancer, to improve the growth of pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and corn (Zea mays) in simulated Martian regolith. A total of 15 pots were prepared using a mixture of 900 g simulated Martian regolith and 100 g coconut coir to improve moisture retention and aeration. An enhancer solution was prepared by dissolving 0.189 g sodium nitrophenolate (Atonik) in one gallon of water. Five pots contained only pinto beans, five contained only corn, and five contained both species for companion planting. Each pot received 150 mL of the enhancer solution every three days. Plant height was measured weekly, and growth data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and statistical tests. Results showed that companion planting did not significantly increase plant height (p > 0.05), but it contributed to improvements in plant girth and yield indicators, suggesting enhanced overall plant health. Statistical analysis indicated that companion planting influenced certain growth parameters, demonstrating beneficial plant interactions even in nutrient-limited simulated Martian soil. These findings suggest that companion planting, combined with growth enhancers and soil amendments, may be a viable strategy for improving crop productivity in extraterrestrial environments. This approach could contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural systems necessary to support future human missions to Mars.

Project presentation

Research paper