Mars Farming Gets Green Thumbs-Up

Mars explorers could use complicated mechanical systems to produce oxygen and filter waste, and eat food carried from Earth. Or they could just save a lot of hassle and plant crops.

A model of Martian gravity’s effects on water flow, nutrient dynamics and root-feeding microbes suggests it’s possible to farm in the Red Planet’s soil.

“In terms of biogeochemistry and in interms of hydraulics, I’m pretty confident it could work,” said Federico Maggi, a University of Sydney biogeochemist who conducted the simulation.

Growing plants in soil on Mars might seem old-fashioned for those raised on the futuristic prospect of hydroponic or aeroponic agriculture, in which crops sprout soil-free nutrient broths or mists.



Read More http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/08/mars-farming/#ixzz0wyvWiy69

Since there are no microbes in Martian soil those would have to be shipped from Earth. Seems like they should rethink using martian soil. Hydroponics can use a medium like coco coir or plain old gravel pebbles, maybe that would be preferable.

Besides, hydroponics gives you absolute control of the ph level, nutrient level and minimize the possibility of bad soil microbes.

Possibly the movie Doom, starring Duane "The Rock" Johnson?