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Cited by 27Growth and nutrition in plantsPlant Growth and Agriculture TechniquesAgricultural Science and Fertilization

Green compost amendment improves potato plant performance on Mars regolith simulant as substrate for cultivation in space

Open access
Caporale, Antonio Giandonato, Paradiso, Roberta, Liuzzi, Greta, Palladino, Mario, Amitrano, Chiara, Arena, Carmen, Arouna, Nafiou, Verrillo, Mariavittoria +3 more·2023·Plant and Soil
DOI 10.1007/s11104-022-05860-0
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Abstract

Background and aims: Higher plants represent an optimal tool to regenerate resources while producing food in Space. However, the configuration of fertile cultivation substrates based on extraterrestrial resources is still a challenge. We evaluated the adaptability of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L., cv. ‘Colomba’) to the growth on six substrates: the MMS-1 Mars regolith simulant, alone (R100) and in mixture with 30% in vol. of green compost (R70C30), a fluvial sand, alone or mixed with 30% of compost (S100 and S70C30), a red soil from Sicily (RS), and a volcanic soil from Campania (VS). Methods: We assessed the physicochemical properties of the substrates, and the physiological and biometric parameters of potato plants grown in pot on these substrates, in cold glasshouse. Results: Both R100 and S100 were alkaline (pH ≥ 8.6) and coarse-textured, lacking organic matter and pivotal macronutrients. The amendment with compost significantly lowered their alkaline pH and improved the chemical fertility. The sandy-loam textured VS was sub-alkaline, slightly calcareous, with higher organic C and nutrient availability than RS. This latter was neutral-to-sub-alkaline, clay textured, poorly calcareous, with significantly higher CEC than VS. Leaf CO 2 assimilation rate was higher in plants grown in terrestrial soils and S100. Plant growth was greater in VS, R70C30 and S70C30, while it was reduced on R100. Plants produced healthy tubers on all the substrates. Conclusion: MMS-1 regolith simulant was found poor in nutrients and unsuitable to sustain adequately the plant growth. Amendment with organic compost improved MMS-1 physiochemical properties and fertility and plant performance.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Potato cv. ‘Colomba’ completed the tuber-to-tuber cycle on all six substrates, but Mojave Mars regolith simulant MMS-1 alone was nutrient-poor and unable to sustain adequate growth. Amending MMS-1 with 30% green compost improved substrate fertility and plant performance, though tuber production remained below the genotype’s expected yield from mini-tubers.

Key findings

  • MMS-1 alone (R100) was alkaline (pH 8.86), coarse-textured, and lacked organic C, total N, and available P; amendment with 30% green compost (R70C30) lowered pH to 8.28 and raised organic C to 80.0 g kg⁻¹, total N to 6.0 g kg⁻¹, and available P to 88.9 mg kg⁻¹.
  • Compost amendment increased potato total leaf area by 74% and total aerial dry matter by 55% relative to R100; R100 plants formed the fewest and smallest tubers.
  • Plants produced healthy tubers on all substrates, but tuber production was lower than expected for the genotype from mini-tubers; harvest index was >84% on fluvial sand alone or with compost and <80% on both regolith-based substrates.
  • Leaf net photosynthesis at 52 DAS was highest on VS, RS, and S100; at 76 DAS it was highest on RS, while R100 showed the lowest value.

Methods

  • Pot experiment in a cold glasshouse at the University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy, from 27 September 2021 to 4 January 2022, using potato cv. ‘Colomba’ from pre-sprouted mini-tubers grown in 5 L pots filled with 4 L substrate.
  • Six substrates compared: MMS-1 Mars regolith simulant alone (R100) and mixed 70:30 v:v with green compost (R70C30); fluvial sand alone (S100) and with compost (S70C30); red soil from Sicily (RS); volcanic soil from Campania (VS). Each treatment had 5 replicate pots.
  • Measured substrate physicochemical and hydraulic properties, plant growth and tuber yield, root morphology by WinRHIZO, leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and photosynthetic pigments; data analysed by one-way ANOVA with Duncan post-hoc test at P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01.

Limitations

  • The paper states that greenhouse thermal levels during early development and relatively low PPFD may have reduced plant growth and promoted senescence, and that tuber production was lower than expected for the genotype from mini-tubers.
  • The paper states that soil penetration resistance was not directly determined and was deduced from other observations such as structural state and clay/cementing-agent content.
  • Evident from the text: the study used one potato cultivar, one compost amendment rate (30% v:v), and pot cultivation under Mediterranean glasshouse conditions; Table 2 reports physical/hydrological properties with n = 1 per substrate, limiting statistical inference for those parameters.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1007/s11104-022-05860-0

Cites

39 of 39 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

7 of 33 cited sources checked · 4 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Works dealing with cultivation on Mars simulants in mix with organic amendment are quite scarce.

    “Works dealing with cultivation on Mars simulants in mix with organic amendment, also to solve the disposal issue of organic effluents in future manned missions to Mars, are quite scarce (Gilrain et al. 1999;Mortley et al. 2000;Wamelink et al. 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Gilrain et al. 1999

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Mortley et al. 2000

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Wamelink et al. 2014 source

      The Abstract describes this as the first large-scale controlled plant-growth experiment on Mars and Moon soil simulants, supporting the broader point that such research was limited. But the plants grew without added nutrients; the Discussion proposes manure or human faeces as possible future amendments. The paper does not establish that studies mixing Mars simulants with organic amendments, including studies addressing effluent disposal, were scarce. (LLM, conf=0.78)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingcitation

    The time recorded for the beginning of tuberization was similar to that observed in 'Colomba' plants from pre-sprouted tuber seeds grown in growth chamber under controlled environment, on a peat-based substrate and on cellulosic sponge.

    “Indeed, the time recorded for the beginning of tuberization was similar to that observed in 'Colomba' plants from pre-sprouted tuber seeds (regular size) grown in growth chamber under controlled environment, on a peat-based substrate (Paradiso et al. 2019) and on cellulosic sponge (Paradiso et al. 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Paradiso et al. 2019 source
    • cites Paradiso et al. 2020 source
  • Findingown data

    The frequent supply of nutrient solution at pH 5.7 lowered the sub-alkaline or alkaline pHs of the substrates by 0.3-0.5 points.

    “The frequent supply of nutrient solution at pH 5.7 had a positive effect on the substrates, i.e., it lowered their sub-alkaline or alkaline pHs of 0.3-0.5 points; on the other hand, it moderately increased the EC of substrates, except for R100 and R70C30 (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    At 52 DAS, the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (fv/fm ratio) in R100 and R70C30 plants was statistically significantly lower than in VS, RS, and S70C30 plants, where comparable values were observed.

    “Finally, at 52 DAS, the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (fv/fm ratio) measured in R100 and R70C30 plants was statistically significant lower than in VS, RS, and S70C30 plants, where comparable values were observed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Total root length of potato in RS was considerably smaller compared to the other substrates.

    “Particularly, total root length of potato in RS was considerably smaller compared to the other substrates, however, the amendment with the green compost, also for the roots, had beneficial effects, increasing the root length, surface area and root volume (Table 4).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 63
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 13
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    MMS-1 mainly consists of plagioclases in mixture with amorphous materials and zeolite, containing essential plant nutrients such as K, Ca, Mg and Fe, but lacking organic C, N, P and S.

    “Mojave Mars regolith Simulant MMS-1 mainly consists of plagioclases in mixture with amorphous materials and zeolite, containing essential plant nutrients such as K, Ca, Mg and Fe, but lacking of organic C, N, P and S (Caporale et al. 2020;Duri et al. 2020).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al. 2020 source
    • cites Duri et al. 2020 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    MMS-1 is an alkaline (pH 8.86) and coarse textured substrate, lacking adequate water holding capacity and occurrence of fine particles exerting colloidal properties.

    “It is an alkaline (pH 8.86) and coarse textured substrate, lacking adequate water holding capacity and occurrence of fine particles exerting colloidal properties.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al. 2020 source
    • cites Duri et al. 2020 source

      The Discussion describes MMS-1 as coarse-textured and alkaline, and says compost improved its water-holding capacity relative to pure simulant. Our copy does not give pH 8.86 or say that MMS-1 lacks fine particles with colloidal properties. The cited passages have no page numbers. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Fv/Fm is a good indicator of plant wellbeing, with values around 0.83 indicating a good status, and lower values revealing unfavourable conditions for the photosynthetic apparatus linked to stressful events.

    “Fv/Fm is a good indicator of plant wellbeing, with values around 0.83 indicating a good status (Björkman and Demmig 1987), and lower values revealing unfavourable conditions for photosynthetic apparatus linked to stressful events (Baker and Rosenqvist 2004;Maxwell and Johnson 2000).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Björkman and Demmig 1987 source
    • cites Baker and Rosenqvist 2004 source
    • cites Maxwell and Johnson 2000 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Carbon allocation changes with plant senescence and photosynthates transfer from shoots to tubers.

    “as expected since the carbon allocation changes with plant senescence and photosynthates transfer from shoots to tubers (Gauci et al. 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Gauci et al. 2009 source

      The Discussion (page unavailable) reports that photosynthates from non-floral cloudberry shoots move into the rhizome system and that rhizomes remain a carbon sink throughout the season. It does not describe transfer to tubers or establish that plant senescence causes a change in carbon allocation; the reported rhizome demand was maintained throughout the season. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A similar effect was observed in lettuce plants grown on the same regolith simulant, with or without amendment with the same compost.

    “A similar effect was observed in lettuce plants grown on the same regolith simulant, with or without the amendment with the same compost (Duri et al. 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Duri et al. 2020 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At 52 DAS, the PSII quantum yield of linear electron transport (ΦPSII) and the electron transport rate (ETR) were higher in VS, S100, and S70C30 plants, while R100 and R70C30 exhibited the lowest; a significant reduction of these two photochemical indexes was also found in RS compared to VS plants.

    “At 52 DAS, the PSII quantum yield of linear electron transport (ΦPSII) and the electron transport rate (ETR) were higher in VS, S100, and S70C30 plants, while R100 and R70C30 exhibited the lowest; a significant reduction of these two photochemical indexes was also found in RS compared to VS plants (Fig. 3a, b).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At 52 DAS, transpiration (E) was highest in R100 and lowest in R70C30.

    “Concerning the transpiration (E), at 52 DAS, the highest value was detected in the treatment R100 and the lowest in R70C30.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Dry matter accumulation in the plant aerial part was highest in plants grown on VS, followed by those on the compost mixtures with both fluvial sand and regolith.

    “The dry matter accumulation in the plant aerial part was highest in plants grown on VS, followed by those on the compost mixtures with both fluvial sand and regolith, in accordance with the greatest leaf area (Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At 76 DAS, stomatal conductance (gs) was higher in plants on VS, RS and R100, and lower in S100 and S70C30.

    “At the same time, gs was higher in plants on VS, RS and R100, and lower in S100 and S70C30 (Fig. 2a, b).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Compost addition increased saturated water content (θsat) by 24% for S100 (0.386 to 0.506 cm3 cm-3) and by 21% for R100 (0.456 to 0.574 cm3 cm-3).

    “The addition also is the main cause of θ sat increment.In fact, θ sat is 0.386 cm 3 cm -3 for S100 and 0.506 cm 3 cm -3 for S70C30 (+ 24%).For regolith the increment is slightly lower than for the sand, going from 0.456 cm 3 cm -3 for the pure regolith (R100) to 0.574 cm 3 cm -3 for R70C30 (+ 21%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The commercial green compost used is a valid simulant of the organic waste (urine and faeces, crop residues) that would be produced during a Mars mission.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Plant height was significantly higher on pure fluvial sand and on regolith with or without compost amendment.

    “In fully developed plants, the plant height was significantly higher on pure fluvial sand and on regolith with or without compost amendment (Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The MMS-1 Mars regolith simulant alone (R100) and the fluvial sand alone (S100) were coarse-textured with sand > 90%.

    “Both R100 and S100 were alkaline (pH ≥ 8.6) and coarse-textured, lacking organic matter and pivotal macronutrients.”
    • Also stated in: § Physicochemical and hydraulic properties of the substrates · plain
      “Both R100 and S100 were alkaline (pH ≥ 8.6) and coarsetextured (sand > 90%), lacking organic C and pivotal macronutrients such as N, P and S.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At 76 DAS, transpiration (E) was highest in S100, followed by RS and R100, and VS, R70C30 and S70C30.

    “However, at 76 DAS this trend changed with the highest E value in S100, followed by RS and R100, and VS, R70C30 and S70C30 (Fig. 2c).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The MMS-1 Mars regolith simulant alone (R100) and the fluvial sand alone (S100) lacked organic C and pivotal macronutrients such as N, P and S.

    “Both R100 and S100 were alkaline (pH ≥ 8.6) and coarse-textured, lacking organic matter and pivotal macronutrients.”
    • Also stated in: § Physicochemical and hydraulic properties of the substrates · plain
      “Both R100 and S100 were alkaline (pH ≥ 8.6) and coarsetextured (sand > 90%), lacking organic C and pivotal macronutrients such as N, P and S.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At 76 DAS, VS, RS, and S100 plants maintained higher values of ΦPSII and ETR compared to S70C30, R100, and R70C30 plants, which did not evidence significant differences among them.

    “At 76 DAS, VS, RS, and S100 plants maintained higher values of ΦPSII and ETR compared to S70C30, R100, and R70C30 plants, which did not evidence significant differences among them (Fig. 3a, b).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The MMS-1 Mars regolith simulant alone (R100) and the fluvial sand alone (S100) were alkaline with pH ≥ 8.6.

    “Both R100 and S100 were alkaline (pH ≥ 8.6) and coarse-textured, lacking organic matter and pivotal macronutrients.”
    • Also stated in: § Physicochemical and hydraulic properties of the substrates · plain
      “Both R100 and S100 were alkaline (pH ≥ 8.6) and coarsetextured (sand > 90%), lacking organic C and pivotal macronutrients such as N, P and S.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The beginning of tuberization in potato cv. 'Colomba' grown in pot in glasshouse was ascertained at the surface layer of the growing medium about 28 days after planting, with no relevant difference among the substrates.

    “The beginning of tuberization process in plants from pre-sprouted mini tuber-seeds of potato cv.'Colomba' grown in pot in glasshouse was ascertained at the surface layer of the growing medium about 28 days after planting, with no relevant difference among the substrates.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Compost addition increased TAW potato by 55% for S100 and 20% for R100.

    “Finally, it is evident the positive effect of compost addition on this parameter, which increases of 55% for S100 and 20% for R100.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The commercial green compost used is a valid simulant of the organic waste (urine and faeces, crop residues) that would be produced during a Mars mission.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At 76 DAS, net photosynthesis (NP) was higher in RS, followed by VS and S100, which were in turn higher than S70C30 and R70C30, and the lowest value was found in R100.

    “Differently, at 76 DAS, NP was higher in the RS treatment, followed by VS and S100 which were in turn higher than S70C30 and R70C30, and the lowest value was found in R100.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At 52 days after sowing (DAS), plants grown on VS, RS and S100 showed the highest values of net photosynthesis (NP) and stomatal conductance (gs), with no statistically significant difference among the lower values in S70C30, R100, R70C30.

    “At 52 DAS, plants grown on VS, RS and S100 showed the highest values of net photosynthesis (NP) and stomatal conductance (gs), and no statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was detected among the lower values in S70C30, R100, R70C30 (Fig. 2a, b).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The number of leaves was highest in plants grown on VS and on both the compost mixtures, and plant leaf area was greatest on these substrates.

    “Indeed, the number of leaves was highest in plants grown on VS and on both the compost mixtures and, accordingly, the plant leaf area was greatest on these substrates (Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    S100 showed low total water availability and R100 relatively high water availability.

    “We can observe the similarity of the TAW potato values for the two terrestrial soils (0.150 and 0.173 cm 3 cm -3 for VS and RS, respectively), the low total availability showed from S100 and relatively high availability of R100.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At 52 DAS, non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was higher in plants grown on R100 and R70C30 compared to those on all other substrates, while in S100 plants it showed the lowest value.

    “The analysis of Non photochemical quenching (NPQ) revealed that at 52 DAS the thermal dissipation was higher in plants grown on R100 and R70C30 compared to those on all other substrates, while in S100 plants, it showed the lowest value.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The volcanic soil (VS) had significantly higher organic C content and nutrient availability than the red soil (RS).

    “The sandy-loam textured VS from Campania region was sub-alkaline (pH 7.7) and slightly calcareous, with significantly higher organic C content and nutrient availability than RS from Sicily.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Amendment with green compost increased root length, surface area and root volume.

    “Particularly, total root length of potato in RS was considerably smaller compared to the other substrates, however, the amendment with the green compost, also for the roots, had beneficial effects, increasing the root length, surface area and root volume (Table 4).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The commercial green compost used is a valid simulant of the organic waste (urine and faeces, crop residues) that would be produced during a Mars mission.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Data on the growth of the hypogeous part confirms a greater dry weight in plants grown on VS and on S70C30, but also on S100.

    “Data on the growth of the hypogeous part confirms a greater dry weight in plants grown on VS and on S70C30, but also on S100 (Table 5).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The red soil (RS) was neutral-to-sub-alkaline, clay textured and poorly calcareous.

    “This latter was neutral-to-subalkaline, clay textured and poorly calcareous, with a significantly higher CEC than VS (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Compost addition decreased bulk density from 1.596 to 1.226 g cm-3 for S100 (-30%) and from 1.390 to 0.976 g cm-3 for R100 (-42%).

    “It is also evident the effect of compost addition to S100 and R100: as expected, bulk density decreased from 1.596 g cm -3 to 1.226 g cm -3 for S100 (-30%) and from 1.390 g cm -3 to 0.976 g cm -3 for R100 (-42%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The commercial green compost used is a valid simulant of the organic waste (urine and faeces, crop residues) that would be produced during a Mars mission.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Harvest index (HI) reached the highest value in plants grown on fluvial sand alone and added with compost (> 84% of the total fresh biomass), and the lowest ones on both the regolith-based substrates (< 80% of the total fresh biomass).

    “This reached the highest value in plants grown on fluvial sand alone and added with compost (> 84% of the total fresh biomass), and the lowest ones on both the regolithbased substrates (< 80% of the total fresh biomass) (Fig. 6).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At 76 DAS, the fv/fm ratio was still highest in VS compared to RS, S70C30, R100, and R70C30 plants, which did not reveal statistically significant differences among them.

    “With the progression of the plant senescence, at 76 DAS, the fv/fm ratio was still the highest in VS compared RS, S70C30, R100, and R70C30 plants, which did not reveal statistically significant differences among them (Fig. 3d).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Plant growth was greater in VS, R70C30 and S70C30, while it was reduced on R100.

    “Plant growth was greater in VS, R70C30 and S70C30, while it was reduced on R100.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    VS and S70C30 showed the largest percentage of thinner roots (0-0.5 and 0.5-1.0mm classes), while R100 showed the greatest percentage of thicker roots (1-2 mm classes).

    “VS and S70C30 showed the largest percentage of thinner roots (0-0.5 and 0.5-1.0mm classes), while R100 the greatest percentage of thicker roots (1-2 mm classes) (Fig. 5).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The sandy-loam textured volcanic soil (VS) was sub-alkaline (pH 7.7) and slightly calcareous.

    “The sandy-loam textured VS from Campania region was sub-alkaline (pH 7.7) and slightly calcareous, with significantly higher organic C content and nutrient availability than RS from Sicily.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Amendment with green compost increased both the number of leaves and the specific leaf area, resulting in 74% larger total leaf area and 55% greater dry matter.

    “The growth on Mojave Mars regolith Simulant MMS-1 alone limited the leaf development and the overall total biomass of the plant aerial part compared to all the other substrates, however the amendment with green compost increased both the number of leaves and the specific leaf area, resulting in 74% larger total leaf area and 55% greater dry matter (Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The commercial green compost used is a valid simulant of the organic waste (urine and faeces, crop residues) that would be produced during a Mars mission.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At 76 DAS, NPQ was highest in R100 and R70C30 compared to VS, RS, S100, and S70C30 plants, in which NPQ values did not differ from each other.

    “The same trend was maintained for NPQ at 76 DAS, with the highest value measured in R100, and R70C30 compared to VS, RS, S100, and S70C30 plants, in which NPQ values did not differ from each other (Fig. 3c).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Potato plants 'Colomba' from pre-sprouted mini tuber-seeds grown in pot in cold glasshouse completed the tuber-to-tuber cycle and produced healthy tubers on all tested substrates, in the time expected for the cultivar.

    “Potato plants 'Colomba' from pre-sprouted mini tuber-seeds grown in pot in cold glasshouse completed the tuber-to-tuber cycle and produced healthy tubers on all the tested substrates, in the time expected for the cultivar.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Average day/night temperatures recorded in the greenhouse during the experiment were higher than recommended values for potato during the first phases of plant development (optimum for sprouting 15 °C), while close to the reference thermal level during tuberization (optimum for tuber maturation 18 °C).

    “The average day/night temperatures recorded in greenhouse during the experiment resulted higher than the recommended values for potato during the first phases of plant development (optimum for sprouting 15 °C), while they were closed to the reference thermal level during tuberization (optimum for tuber maturation 18 °C) (Epstein 1966).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Epstein 1966 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    When pure regolith is mixed with compost, the water relationships plant-substrate significantly improved, the transpiration rate decreases in R70C30 plants while the photosynthetic activity remained comparable.

    “However, when pure regolith is mixed with compost, the water relationships plant-substrate significantly improved, the transpiration rate decreases in R70C30 plants while the photosynthetic activity remained comparable.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Roots of plants grown on regolith simulant showed the smallest total length and the greatest percentage of thicker roots (1-2 mm).

    “The roots of plants grown on regolith simulant showed not only the smallest total length, but also the greatest percentage of thicker roots (1-2 mm).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The regolith does not retain water and lacks nutrients and organic matter, limiting plant growth.

    “The regolith does not retain water and lacks nutrients and organic matter, limiting the plant growth.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    The growth of the hypogeous part (roots, stolons and tubers) was greater on volcanic soil and on both mineral substrates when added of green compost, and on fluvial sand.

    “The growth of the hypogeous part (roots, stolons and tubers) was greater on the same substrates and on fluvial sand.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Plants growing on S70C30, R100, and R70C30 exhibited similar stomatal conductance to the other groups but showed a significant decline in photosynthesis.

    “Conversely, plants growing on S70C30, R100, and R70C30 exhibited a similar stomatal conductance to the other groups but showed a significant decline in photosynthesis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    All tested substrates, including the regolith simulant alone, allowed the obtainment of healthy plants and the completion of the tuber-to-tuber cycle.

    “all the tested substrates, including the regolith simulant alone, allowed the obtainment of healthy plants and the completion of the tuber-to-tuber cycle.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Amendment with organic green compost enhanced substrate structure and physicochemical fertility, improving plant performance of potato plants.

    “However, the amendment with organic green compost enhanced the substrate structure and physicochemical fertility, improving the plant performance of potato plants.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Amendment with organic compost improved MMS-1 physiochemical properties and fertility and plant performance.

    “Amendment with organic compost improved MMS-1 physiochemical properties and fertility and plant performance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The commercial green compost used is a valid simulant of the organic waste (urine and faeces, crop residues) that would be produced during a Mars mission.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Suitable soils for potato cultivation do not present mechanical resistance to the growth of the underground part; loam and sandy-loam soils, as long as non-arid, are the most appropriated, while compact soils must be avoided.

    “In principle, suitable soils for potato cultivation do not present mechanical resistance to the growth of the underground part; therefore, loam and sandy-loam soils, as long as non-arid, are the most appropriated, while compact soils must be avoided (Westermann 2005).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Westermann 2005 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Potato is a very productive crop, with a high harvest index (0.7-0.8), and tubers are a good source of carbohydrates and proteins.

    “Indeed, it is a very productive crop, with a high harvest index (0.7-0.8), and tubers are a good source of carbohydrates and proteins (Paradiso et al. 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Paradiso et al. 2019 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Each treatment consisted of 5 replicates (pots), distributed randomly on the bench.

    “Each treatment consisted of 5 replicates (pots), distributed randomly on the bench.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The compost comprised a significant aromatic moiety, ensuring a good stability of the organic matter which can slowly release vital plant nutrients over time.

    “At the same time, it comprised a significant aromatic moiety, ensuring a good stability of the organic matter which can slowly release vital plant nutrients over time.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al. 2020 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The reference matric suction interval for optimal water availability for potato is 25-320 cm.

    “Water management was based on measurements of water potential with tensiometers Jet-filled Model 2725ARL, length 18”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Wesseling et al. 1991

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The compost had a low C/N ratio, implying a good availability of N for microorganisms and plant roots.

    “This compost, previously characterized by Caporale et al. (2020), had a low C/N ratio, implying a good availability of N for microorganisms and plant roots.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al. 2020 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    MMS-1 regolith simulant was found poor in nutrients and unsuitable to sustain adequately the plant growth.

    “Conclusion MMS-1 regolith simulant was found poor in nutrients and unsuitable to sustain adequately the plant growth.”
    • Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
      “Conversely, the regolith Simulant MMS-1 (R100) is a coarse textured, alkaline and nutrient-poor substrate, made of crushed”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The limit range for soil pH for potato is 5.5 to 8.0, with optimal values between 6.0 and 6.5.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The amendment with green compost enhances the physicochemical and hydraulic properties of alkaline and nutrient-poor Mars simulants, and makes the regolith a suitable substrate for cultivation of lettuce.

    “Previous results showed that the amendment with green compost enhances the physicochemical and hydraulic properties of alkaline and nutrient-poor Mars simulants, and makes the regolith a suitable substrate for cultivation of lettuce (Caporale et al. 2020).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al. 2020 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The nutrient solution formula proposed by Molders et al. (2012) is complete.

    “Fertigation was performed with a complete nutrient solution based on the formula proposed by Molders et al. (2012), with pH 5.7 and electrical conductivity (EC) 1.68 dS m 1 .”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Molders et al. 2012 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Growth on pure regolith (R100) induces the highest water loss, exposing tissues to dehydration risks.

    “suggesting that the growth on this substrate induces the highest water loss, exposing tissues to dehydration risks.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Amendment with green compost enhanced the regolith physicochemical properties and overall fertility, by improving substrate structure, water capacity and nutrient availability, with positive effects on plant performance.

    “Accordingly, the amendment with green compost enhanced the regolith physicochemical properties and the overall fertility, by improving the substrate structure, the water capacity and the nutrient availability, with positive effects on the plant performance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Root morphology and architecture are the main characteristics that influence the acquisition of resources by plants.

    “Root morphology and architecture are the main characteristics that influence the acquisition of resources by plants (Barber 1995).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Barber 1995

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Finer roots may confer greater nutrient uptake per unit of root mass by increasing the root surface area and the soil area explored by the finer roots.

    “The finer roots may confer greater nutrient uptake per unit of root mass by increasing the root surface area (and the soil area explored by the finer roots) (Gowda et al. 2011).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Gowda et al. 2011 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Decreased percentage of fine roots associated with a greater percentage of roots with 1 to 2 mm diameter could be a possible mechanism related to plant conserving resources.

    “Decreased percentage of fine roots associated with a greater percentage of roots with 1 to 2 mm diameter could be a possible mechanism related to plant conserving resources (Roumet et al. 2016).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Roumet et al. 2016 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The lowest number of tubers on red soil (3.8 tubers per plant) can be explained by high clay and iron oxides content compared to fluvial sand (5.4 tubers per plant), despite comparable bulk density in the two substrates.

    “In this perspective, following Stefanou and Papazafeiriou (2013) we can explain the lowest number of tubers on red soil (3.8 tubers per plant) with the high clay and iron oxides content compared to fluvial sand (5.4 tubers per plant), despite the comparable bulk density in the two substrates.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Stefanou and Papazafeiriou (2013)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    On VS, RS, and S100, the absence of limiting water supply maintained a higher stomatal conductance, favouring leaf gas exchange and ensuring good plant-water balancing, with a comparable transpiration rate.

    “On these substrates, the absence of limiting water supply maintained a higher stomatal conductance, favouring leaf gas exchange and ensuring a good plantwater balancing, with a comparable transpiration rate.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    In S70C30 plants, the photosynthetic decline is not due to stomatal limitation, since stomatal conductance does not differ between S100 and S70C30 plants, but rather to non-stomatal causes linked to a significant reduction of PSII photochemistry (lower ΦPSII and ETR).

    “In these plants, the photosynthetic decline is not due to stomatal limitation, since stomatal conductance does not differ between S100 and S70C30 plants, but rather to non-stomatal causes linked to a significant reduction of PSII photochemistry (lower values of ΦPSII and ETR).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The photosynthetic decline in S70C30, R100, and R70C30 may be ascribed not to stomatal limitations but rather to a reduced plant ability to utilize resources or non-stomatal limitations such as impairment of enzymes involved in the Calvin cycle or limitations in the electron transport rate.

    “This may be ascribed not to stomatal limitations but rather to a reduced plant ability to utilize resources or non-stomatal limitations such as an impairment of enzymes involved in the Calvin cycle or limitations in the electron transport rate.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The thermal level recorded in the greenhouse during the first developmental phases and the relatively low PPFD determined by the greenhouse structure and cover material could have reduced plant growth and promoted plant senescence.

    “In our experiment, the thermal level recorded in greenhouse during the first developmental phases and the relatively low PPFD determined by the greenhouse structure and cover material could have reduced the plant growth and promoted the plant senescence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The high transpiration rate in R100 plants represents a negative trait, limiting the possibility to use the sole regolith as a substrate for space farming, and contributes to explain the lowest total aerial and hypogeous biomass recorded.

    “On this basis, the high transpiration rate in R100 plants represents a negative trait, limiting the possibility to use the sole regolith as a substrate for space farming, and contributes to explain the lowest total aerial and hypogeous biomass recorded in our experiment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    As stated by Caporale et al. (2020), MMS-1 shows numerous critical features for plant health, such as high alkalinity and Na bioavailability, poor physical structure, predominance of macro vs. micropores, and low water holding capacity.

    “Furthermore, as stated by Caporale et al. (2020), it shows numerous critical features for plant health, such as high alkalinity and Na bioavailability, poor physical structure, predominance of macro vs. micropores, and low water holding capacity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al. (2020) source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The highest tuber number found in green compost added substrates S70C30 and R70C30 confirms that addition of compost resulted in a better structural state and a lower resistance to penetration than pure substrates.

    “The highest tuber number found in green compost added substrates, S70C30 and R70C30 confirm that the addition of compost resulted in a better structural state and a lower resistance to penetration than pure substrates.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    MMS-1 Mars regolith simulant is unable to sustain adequately the growth of potato plants, presumably because of alkaline pH and lack of organic matter and pivotal nutrients such as N and P.

    “Conversely, the MMS-1 Mars regolith simulant revealed to be unable to sustain adequately the growth of potato plants, presumably because of several reasons, including the alkaline pH and the lack of organic matter and pivotal nutrients such as N and P.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: MMS-1 is a valid analog for Martian regolith for plant cultivation studies.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Higher photochemical efficiency in RS (higher ΦPSII and ETR), as well as the highest chlorophyll and carotenoid content, contribute to improved photosynthesis, providing the photosynthetic apparatus a better capability of light harvesting and conversion.

    “Furthermore, also the higher photochemical efficiency in RS (higher ΦPSII and ETR), as well as the highest chlorophyll and carotenoid content, contribute to the improved photosynthesis, providing to photosynthetic apparatus a better capability of light harvesting and conversion (Demmig-Adams and Adams III 2017).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Demmig-Adams and Adams III 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

69 of 69

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The commercial green compost used is a valid simulant of the organic waste (urine and faeces, crop residues) that would be produced during a Mars mission.

    “a commercial green compost, simulating the organic waste produced during a Mars mission (urine and faeces, crop residues)”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The possibility to use the Martian regolith, with or without possible adjustments, has not been tested yet in long cycle crops and, more specifically, in tuberous species.

    “However, the possibility to use the Martian regolith, with or without possible adjustments, has not been tested yet in long cycle crops and, more specifically, in tuberous species, in which the habitability of the substrate is crucial for a proper plant growth and an optimal tuberization process.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The limit range for soil pH for potato is 5.5 to 8.0, with optimal values between 6.0 and 6.5.

    “The limit range for soil pH from is 5.5 to 8.0, but the optimal values are between 6.0 and 6.5.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The highest photosynthesis in red soil may be ascribed to better stomatal conductance, likely determining improved CO2 diffusion within the mesophyll promoting gas exchange.

    “We assumed that this may be ascribed to the better stomatal conductance, likely determining an improved CO 2 diffusion within mesophyll promoting the gas exchange (Ohsumi et al. 2007).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    MMS-1 is a valid analog for Martian regolith for plant cultivation studies.

    “The physicochemical characterization of the Mojave Mars regolith simulant MMS-1 revealed that it lacks biological fertility and essential plant nutrients, such as N, P and S, commonly sourced and geochemically regulated by the organic matter.”
5 of 5

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Late-stage Fv/Fm is described as both different and comparable

    Minor

    The results report a higher Fv/Fm ratio in VS than in several other treatments at 76 DAS, whereas the discussion calls the ratio comparable among plants of all substrates at that stage.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Barber SA (1995) Soil nutrient bioavailability. Wiley, New York
  2. Stefanou S, Papazafeiriou AZ (2013) Effects of iron and aluminum oxides and clay content on penetration resistance of five greek soils. Eurasian J Soil Sci 2:122–130
  3. Wesseling JG, Elbers JA, Kabat P, van den Broek BJ (1991) SWATRE: instructions for input. Internal note. Winand Staring Centre, Wageningen

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Caporale, A. G., Paradiso, R., Liuzzi, G., Palladino, M., Amitrano, C., Arena, C., Arouna, N., Verrillo, M., Cozzolino, V., De Pascale, S., & Adamo, P.
Affiliations
University of Naples Federico II (IT)
Corresponding author
Paradiso, Roberta
ORCID
Venue
Plant and Soil
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2023-01-11
Volume
486
Issue
1-2
Pages
217-233
ISSN
  • 0032-079X (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-5036
DOI
10.1007/s11104-022-05860-0
OpenAlex
W4315650203
Cited by
27
References
37
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 3
FWCI
4.26
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
Plant and Soil (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (CUP F74I16000000005)
  • Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Growth and nutrition in plants
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Plant Growth and Agriculture Techniques
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Agricultural Science and Fertilization
Keywords
potato, green waste compost, cultivation substrate, space agriculture, in-situ resource utilization, soil amendment, soil physicochemical properties, soil fertility, plant growth, carbon assimilation, tuber yield, volcanic soils, red soil

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Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-11-03.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-11-03.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

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