title: Biogenerative life-support system:  farming on the moon.
abstract: Plants can be used to recycle food, oxygen, and water in a closed habitat (e.g., on the moon, Mars, or in a space craft.  A variety of crops might be grown, probably in underground growth units to avoid harmful radiation and micrometeorites.  Artificial light will be necessary although some sunlight might be brought in via fiber optics.  Transpired water will be condensed in coils exposed to space and shaded from sunlight.  Oxygen and CO2 levels will be maintained by controlling photosynthesis and waste oxidation.  Plants will be grown hydroponically.  Wheat has been produced at the rate of 60 g m-2 d-1, which could feed a human continuously from a farm only 13 m2, but nearly continuous light equivalent to sunlight is required along with ideal temperatures, enriched CO2, suitable cultivars, etc.  Lower light results in more efficient photosynthesis but requires a larger farm, as do safety considerations and many crops.
authors.affiliation: Utah State University, Plant Science Department, Logan 84322-4820.
authors.forename: F B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Salisbury
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture / Q000379:methods*; D018504:Ecological Systems, Closed; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D016081:Moon; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010945:Plants, Edible / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013026:Space Flight / Q000639:trends; D018505:Waste Management