The idea of ??moving to a colony on Mars flies our minds several years ago, mainly because it is the planet of the solar system that we have closest to. Faced with this, knowing how this habitat interacts with terrestrial animals is of vital importance. The good news, in that case, is that the worms might be able to adapt surprisingly well.

Earthworms in Martian soil

For this test, NASA created an imitation of Martian soil. The earthworms, then, were released in him. The idea was to know what his behavior was like on that floor.

First, the worms were tested around several arugula plants. The arugula was later fertilized with pig manure. Then, the researchers discovered that the earthworms were active. In particular, they were collaborating with the formation of a more habitable soil for arugula, as they do on Earth, while the manure fostered growth, as a natural fertilizer.

Despite the previous results, there was another discovery as wonderful as unexpected: the worms had offspring. While the specialists checked the land, they discovered that there were newly born worms. In short, the Martian soil, beyond its differences, could accommodate both the life of earthworms and arugula or other plants.

The importance of those earthworms

Beyond the fact that NASA has not indicated why it wants the information, the theory seems to be quite clear. The idea of ??creating a human colony on Mars is closer and closer to becoming a reality, as opposed to exploring alternatives.

But, in the case of the colony being carried out, it would be necessary to develop an efficient form of agriculture, since humans could not survive without a renewable supply of food. For this, the worms are more than important, due to their functions.

Earthworms, on Earth, carry out tasks of vital importance in the soil, modifying both its structure and the availability of water or nutrients, so that plants grow healthy. If indeed they were able to replicate those labors on Martian soil, everything would be simpler.

The good part is that, so far, it seems that they can do it. And then, in a metaphorical way, it's as if the worms could talk: "we know how to make the arugula grow on Martian soil," they say, "moving to Mars is an increasingly closer possibility."

Martian difficulties

Beyond the promising results, there is still a long way to go. The tests, on Earth, are much simpler than outside it. On Mars, there is no magnetic field to filter the radiation, nor is there liquid water, in addition to the extreme cold that could end their lives.

But, in the event that a human colony was carried out, solutions could be found. They could create several conditioned gardens and even create fiber optic systems with lights so that the lower presence of sunlight would not affect them, beyond which the plants would grow at a slower pace.

In addition, the Martian soil has metallic components that in large quantities can be poisonous to humans. NASA should find a way to filter these elements so that they are not part of the plants before creating a garden on Mars.

Despite the difficulties that exist for our move to Mars, we are getting a little closer. And who knows? Earthworms could be a key piece in our future martian lives.