On September 29, earth soil was sent to the International Space Station to grow plants for the first time. Up until this point, plants have been growing in non-soil media, from hydroponic systems to clay-based formulas, Modern Farmer reports. Three different types of soil were sent up including a sample from a German soil biologist, a sample made with biochar, and some plain old soil dug up from around Ithaca, New York. There is much to learn, as soil is a highly complex ecosystem with a wealth of biodiversity, including fungi and bacteria. The researchers hope studying soil in space will unlock insight for farmers and scientists to use here on Earth.
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