The Plight of the Martian Farmer

6 hours ago

Biosphere 2 was a large-scale sealed habitat experiment in Arizona where eight people lived for two years, growing their own food and recycling waste, despite challenges like hunger and pest infestations.
The biospherians' diet primarily consisted of sweet potatoes, bananas, beets, goat milk, and lablab beans, leading to health improvements but also constant hunger and conflicts.
Two farming approaches for off-world habitats are discussed: gnotobiology (minimalist, engineered systems) and ecological (complex, natural systems), with Biosphere 2 combining both.
Martian farming requires about 100 square meters per person, but Martian sunlight is too weak for staple crops, necessitating pressurized habitats and artificial lighting.
Transparent domes on Mars are impractical due to structural challenges, high leakage risks, heating needs, insufficient natural light, and radiation hazards, making underground facilities more sensible.
The choice between soil and hydroponics for Martian farming involves trade-offs: soil offers familiarity and inertia, while hydroponics may offer control but less historical experience.

Hasty Briefsbeta