Red spread: Scientists are learning to farm on Mars

With water such a scarce resource on Mars, the surface offers nowhere near the nutrientrich environment that plants enjoy on Earth. Several research projects are developing crop-growing methods that could feed future Martians. Scientists from the Czech University of Agriculture have produced this system in which plants are sprayed with nitrogen-based nutrients, with all water reused. The project could also benefit farmers who are facing increasing shortages of water here on Earth.