Scientists grow chickpeas in simulated Moon soil
Mar 9th 2026
In a lab experiment using recreated Apollo regolith, scientists successfully grew chickpeas in mixes that were mostly Moon-like soil, but the plants showed stress and will undergo safety testing before any consumption.
- Researchers used lab-made lunar regolith modeled on Apollo samples to grow chickpeas in a laboratory study.
- Seeds were coated with beneficial fungi and planted in mixes containing up to 75% regolith plus nutrient-rich compost or amendments.
- Plants germinated and produced chickpea plants but showed stress and smaller leaves compared with plants in normal Earth soil.
- The cultivar grown is called Myles and the harvested chickpeas are being tested for safety before any eating or further analysis.
- Researchers say this is a first step toward developing sustainable food production for future lunar or Martian bases.