NASA will collaborate with the International potato center (Yes, this exists) to make the real story of “the Martian”. The Agency will attempt to grow potatoes in conditions that are maximally close to the Martian.
The plan includes the use of soil as similar as possible to Mars (in the Peruvian desert of pampas de La Joya) and also the simulation of the Martian atmosphere and climate. Researchers believe that increased levels of carbon dioxide will accelerate plant growth. Previously, NASA had already announced to work on such a program on growing plants in “Martian” conditions. Thus, the new program will be the second such attempt. Scientists believe that in order to make Martian soil more acceptable for terrestrial plants, need fertilizers.
While the main purpose of the research is the similar to the Mars environment, scientists will monitor the impact of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere on plant growth. The results of these observations can help us in the future to learn how to grow potatoes, more resistant to such conditions (though we barely live till the situation, when in the Earth’s atmosphere will contain 95% CO2). Thus, this study will be useful not only for future explorers of Mars, but also for those who remain on their home planet.
According to the materials of Popular Mechanics