Perchlorate and Agriculture on Mars

Perchlorate (ClO4−) is globally enriched in Martian regolith at levels commonly toxic to plants. Consequently, perchlorate presents an obstacle developing agriculture on Mars. Here, we assess the effect of different concentrations plant growth and germination, as well metal release a simulated Gusev Crater generic potting soil. The presence was uniformly detrimental regardless growing medium. Plants soil were able germinate 1 wt.% perchlorate; however, these plants showed restricted decreased leaf area biomass. Some simulant without they reduced growth. In simulant, prevented germination across all treatments. Soil column flow-through experiments perchlorate-containing unable completely remove despite its high solubility. Additionally, present increased metal/phosphorous release, which may also affect biochemistry. Our results support that modify availability such extent that, even with successful removal perchlorate, continue be life. Overall, our study demonstrates provides significant challenge use agricultural substrate further steps, nutrient enrichment, are necessary make it viable substrate.