As humanity sets their sights on deep space exploration, the moon becomes a stepping stone, with countries hoping to build lunar bases to support such missions. To solve the “lunch” problem, scientists have been exploring the possibility of growing plants on the moon. A new study by Chinese scientists has found that bacteria in soil from Earth could offer a solution.
Researchers from China Agricultural University tested five species of bacteria on a material that simulated (模拟) lunar soil. Within a period of 10 to 21 days, three of the bacteria species had doubled their amount of phosphorus (磷) content, a key element for plant growth.
They then grew model plants in the lunar soil containing these three bacteria species. They observed that the plants had longer stems and roots after six days of growth compared with those grown without the bacteria. The plants also had heavier and wider leaves after 24 days of growth. Besides, levels of chlorophyll (叶绿素) — responsible for harvesting energy from light — in the model plants were about double that of those grown without bacteria.
“The study results have important implications for future long-term stays on the moon,” the study’s lead researcher, Sun Zhencai, told Xinhua. Earth bacteria may help astronauts make better use of lunar resources, such as creating lunar greenhouses. In their follow-up research, they hope to experiment with real lunar soil samples and grow crops like rice, com and potatoes.
Since the duration of space missions is increasing, carrying all food supplies to space becomes unsustainable. Hence, “space farmers” becomes critical.
During the Shenzhou XI mission, astronauts managed to grow lettuce, from sowing to harvest. In the later missions, the “space farmers” have successfully grown wheat, rice and thale cress (拟南芥), according to CCTV News.
The most recent visitors to China’s space station, the Shenzhou XVII astronauts, are now growing lettuce, scallion and cherry tomato. These “space farmers” not only provide astronauts with food but also more oxygen and water.
8. What do scientists hope the bacteria in soil from Earth can do?
A.Change lunar soil. into Earth soil. | B.Remove pollutants in lunar soil. |
C.Help cultivate crops on the moon. | D.Get nutrients from the lunar soil. |
9. The scientists divided the plants used in the experiment into groups based on _____.
A.plant species | B.bacteria species |
C.the growth rate of the plants | D.the presence of the bacteria |
10. What is the main focus of the last two paragraphs on China’s “space farming”?
A.Future missions. | B.Recent achievements. |
C.Planting methods. | D.Production processes. |
11. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?
A.Bacteria from: Earth May Help Grow Crops on the Moon |
B.Bacteria Play a Key Role in Growing Crops Nowadays |
C.China Has Made Many Achievements Regarding Crop Harvest |
D.The Origin and Development of Space Exploration Worldwide |