International Team Proposes Fungi Turn Martian Regolith Into Farmland, Citing 27-Gram Biomass Gain
Updated
Updated · starlust.org · May 25
International Team Proposes Fungi Turn Martian Regolith Into Farmland, Citing 27-Gram Biomass Gain
7 articles · Updated · starlust.org · May 25
A new review in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences says beneficial fungi could convert nutrient-locked Martian regolith into a substrate capable of supporting crops for future settlements.
Martian soil contains elements such as potassium and phosphorus, but plants cannot access them; the regolith also lacks organic matter and usable nitrogen, making large-scale nutrient imports from Earth impractical.
The researchers propose arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to extend plant root uptake of nutrients and water, alongside Trichoderma to improve soil quality, ease abiotic stress and help build a stable microbial community.
Evidence for the approach comes from Earth, where fungal inoculation has boosted yields in poor soils, and from space, where fungi have survived microgravity and elevated radiation on the ISS.
The paper also points to a separate biological ISRU result: 1 gram of cyanobacteria mixed with Martian regolith simulant produced 27 grams of duckweed biomass, underscoring microbes' potential in off-world agriculture.
Beyond farming, how will fungi build habitats and mine resources for the first Martian cities?
Could Mars's radiation mutate beneficial Earth fungi into a deadly threat for future colonists?
Transforming Martian Regolith: Microbial Innovations for Self-Sustaining Human Settlements on Mars
Overview
In May 2026, major advancements in astrobiology and space agriculture brought the dream of self-sustaining human settlements on Mars closer to reality. Scientists focused on transforming Martian regolith into fertile soil, aiming to reduce the need for supplies from Earth. A key breakthrough was the use of beneficial fungi, such as Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Trichoderma, which can enhance soil quality and help plants cope with harsh Martian conditions. These developments mark a significant step toward growing crops on Mars, making long-term human presence more achievable and sustainable.