Green compost amendment improves potato plant performance on Mars regolith simulant as substrate for cultivation in space

• DOI: 10.1007/s11104-022-05860-0
• Publication Date: 2023-01-11T06:02:49Z
• Authors: Antonio Giandonat...; Roberta Paradiso; Greta Liuzzi; Mario Palladino; Chiara Amitrano; Carmen Arena; Nafiou Arouna; Mariavittoria Ver...; Vincenza Cozzolino; Stefania De Pascale; Paola Adamo
• Keywords: Amendment; Alkali soil

Abstract Background and aims Higher plants represent an optimal tool to regenerate resources while producing food in Space. However, the configuration of fertile cultivation substrates based on extraterrestrial is still a challenge. We evaluated adaptability potato ( Solanum tuberosum L., cv. ‘Colomba’) growth six substrates: MMS-1 Mars regolith simulant, alone (R100) mixture with 30% vol. green compost (R70C30), fluvial sand, or mixed (S100 S70C30), red soil from Sicily (RS), volcanic Campania (VS). Methods assessed physicochemical properties substrates, physiological biometric parameters grown pot these cold glasshouse. Results Both R100 S100 were alkaline (pH ≥ 8.6) coarse-textured, lacking organic matter pivotal macronutrients. The amendment significantly lowered their pH improved chemical fertility. sandy-loam textured VS was sub-alkaline, slightly calcareous, higher C nutrient availability than RS. This latter neutral-to-sub-alkaline, clay textured, poorly CEC VS. Leaf CO 2 assimilation rate terrestrial soils S100. Plant greater VS, R70C30 S70C30, it reduced R100. Plants produced healthy tubers all substrates. Conclusion simulant found poor nutrients unsuitable sustain adequately plant growth. Amendment physiochemical fertility performance.