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Cited by 1Plant Growth and Agriculture TechniquesGrowth and nutrition in plantsAgricultural Science and Fertilization

Fava bean plant performance and fertility dynamics in Mars regolith simulant-based substrates for space farming

Open access
Caporale, Antonio Giandonato, Paradiso, Roberta, Arouna, Nafiou, Amitrano, Chiara, Tagliamonte, Silvia, Chiacchio, Manuela Flavia, Vitaglione, Paola, De Pascale, Stefania +1 more·2025·Frontiers in Plant Science
DOI 10.3389/fpls.2025.1676285PMC PMC12556254
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Abstract

Introduction: Plants are promising bioregenerators for long-term space missions. However, space cultivation will require fertile substrates based on in-situ available materials. Methods: We assessed the response of fava bean (Vicia faba L. cv. 'Sfardella') to glasshouse cultivation on six substrates: pure MMS-1 Mars regolith simulant (R100), MMS-1 amended with green compost 70:30 v:v (R70C30), pure fluvial sand (S100), sand mixed with compost 70:30 v:v (S70C30), sandy-loam volcanic soil (VS), and clay red soil (RS). Plant physiological and growth parameters, nutritional and nutraceutical profile of seeds, and nutrient bioavailability in the substrates, before and after cultivation, were determined. Results: Net photosynthesis was lower in plants in pure regolith, while the addition of compost restored assimilation at a similar rate to that of the other substrates. Both regolith-based substrates reduced the biomass accumulation, but seed production improved in R70C30 (+61.9% than R100), giving similar yield compared to VS and S70C30. The chemical fertility and nutrient bioavailability improved after cultivation of the fava bean Fabaceae crop in succession to potato (e.g., in R100, +52% organic C, +19% N, and +27% S). The easily bioavailable nutrients declined over time, while the potentially bioavailable fraction increased, indicating a strengthening interaction with the substrate adsorption surface. Discussion: The growth on pure regolith simulant MMS-1 reduced the plant growth and seed production; however, the amendment with green compost improved the nutrient bioavailability of MMS-1, with positive effects on the yield, harvest index, and nutritional quality of fava bean seeds, at similar level to volcanic soils.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Fava bean completed its seed-to-seed cycle on all six substrates, but pure MMS-1 Mars regolith simulant reduced photosynthesis, biomass, and seed yield; amending it with green compost improved nutrient bioavailability, seed production (+61.9% vs R100), harvest index, and seed quality. Substrate fertility changed over the fava-bean-after-potato succession, with easily bioavailable nutrients declining and potentially bioavailable fractions increasing.

Key findings

  • Net photosynthesis was lower in pure regolith (R100), while compost addition (R70C30) restored assimilation to levels similar to other substrates; R70C30 also showed 35% lower transpiration and 20% higher photosynthesis than R100. NPQ was highest in regolith-based substrates (R100 and R70C30), and Fv/Fm remained near 0.8 across treatments except for a modest decline in RS at 62 DAT.
  • R100 reduced aerial biomass compared with VS and S70C30, but R70C30 improved seed production by +61.9% over R100 and gave similar yield to VS and S70C30. The highest harvest index was in S70C30 (29.9%) and R70C30 (26.9%); VS produced more inedible biomass (76.6% on a dry matter basis).
  • Seeds from R100 had high nutritional quality despite low yield. R70C30 seeds contained 222 mg of summed K, N, S, P, Mg, Ca, and Na and 667 µg of summed Na, Fe, Zn, B, Mn, and Cu, versus 133 mg and 515 µg in R100. Total polyphenols ranged from 376 to 735 µg/g; R70C30 had the highest total polyphenols (735.8 ± 25 µg/g) and epicatechin (387.9 ± 17.6 µg/g), while R100 had the highest caffeic acid (145.7 ± 13.4 µg/g), rutin (48.2 ± 4.2 µg/g), apigenin 7-O-glucoside (120.1 ± 6.2 µg/g), and ferulic acid (24 ± 0.1 µg/g).
  • After fava bean cultivation following potato, R100 increased organic C by 52%, N by 19%, and S by 27%. Easily bioavailable nutrient fractions decreased by 35% in S100, 28% in S70C30, and 24% in R100, while potentially bioavailable fractions increased by 22% in S100, 23% in S70C30, 41% in R100, and 34% in R70C30. Compost-enriched substrates showed higher nutrient bioavailability than terrestrial soils (on average 2.0-fold in NH4NO3 extractions excluding B; 1.7-fold in EDTA extractions) and much greater than non-amended substrates (2.3-fold and 2.5-fold, respectively).

Methods

  • Glasshouse pot experiment at the University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy, from December 28, 2022, to April 13, 2023, using fava bean cv. ‘Sfardella’. Six substrates were compared: pure MMS-1 Mars regolith simulant (R100), MMS-1 + green compost 70:30 v:v (R70C30), pure fluvial sand (S100), sand + compost 70:30 v:v (S70C30), sandy-loam volcanic soil (VS), and clay red soil (RS).
  • Five pots per substrate, each with two plants (10 plants per substrate; 5 plants used as replicates), fertigated with half-strength Hoagland solution modified by Wheeler et al. (2008), EC 2.0 dS m⁻¹, pH 5.8. Plants were sampled/harvested at 92 DAT in the methods, while tables report 106 DAT.
  • Measured gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, growth and seed yield, seed elemental and polyphenol profiles, and substrate chemical properties including organic C, total N and S, pH, EC, and nutrient bioavailability by 1 M NH4NO3 and 0.05 M EDTA extractions. Data were analyzed by one-way or two-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc tests.

Limitations

  • The paper states that further research is needed under space-altered gravity conditions, which can affect plant physiology, growth, productivity, quality, and substrate characteristics over time. It also states that compost addition alone is not enough to create an optimal substrate and that consecutive plant-growing cycles are needed to progressively enhance physical, chemical, and biological fertility.
  • The paper notes that pH remained above 8.0 in the compost-amended simulant or sand, which may have limited bioavailability of main nutrients.
  • Evident from the text: this was a pot glasshouse study with a single fava bean cultivar, one crop succession after potato, and a Mars regolith simulant rather than actual Martian regolith; seed production was lower than expected for the genotype based on breeder technical data.

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

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3389/fpls.2025.1676285

Cites

42 of 43 references verified0 citation errors · 1 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

11 of 41 cited sources checked · 6 supported · 2 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Previous studies by the authors on Martian and Lunar regolith simulants showed that both pure regoliths are unsuitable to sustain plant growth even with fertigation.

    “Results revealed that both pure regoliths are unsuitable to sustain the plant growth, even in the presence of fertigation”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al., 2022 source

      The Conclusions (page not provided) state the opposite: pure Mars and Lunar simulants sustained lettuce growth even without fertilisation. The paper notes that their properties can hinder growth and that manure improves it, but does not say the pure simulants cannot sustain growth with fertigation. (LLM, conf=0.90)

      Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Caporale et al., 2023a

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

    • cites Duri et al., 2020 source

      The Conclusions state that cultivation on 100% Mars simulant was feasible, contrary to the claim that pure regolith could not sustain growth. Materials and Methods confirms that the plants, including those in pure simulant, were fertigated. This paper does not test lunar simulant. (LLM, conf=0.89)

      Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    The use of regolith simulants amended with organic matrixes, and their contribution to disposal of organic streams in space colonies, has been scarcely investigated.

    “The use of regolith simulants amended with organic matrixes, as well as their contribution to the disposal of organic streams in space colonies, has been scarcely investigated (Gilrain et al., 1999; Mortley et al., 2000; Wamelink et al., 2014).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Gilrain et al., 1999 source
    • cites Mortley et al., 2000 source
    • cites Wamelink et al., 2014 source

      The Abstract reports plant growth in regolith simulants without added nutrients. The Discussion proposes future soil enrichment using green fertilizer or manure, including human faeces, but does not assess how extensively organic amendments or disposal of organic streams in space colonies have been investigated. Searches for organic waste, amendments, and prior studies found no passage establishing the claimed scarcity. (LLM, conf=0.72)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Interpretationcitation

    RS (clay red soil) may be unsuitable for growing fava beans in pots due to its tendency to compact and retain excess water, leading to poor drainage and increased risk of root rot.

    “RS (clay red soil) may be unsuitable for growing fava beans in pots due to its tendency to compact and retain excess water, leading to poor drainage and increased risk of root rot (Athow, 2022; Chilakala et al., 2022).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Athow, 2022 source
    • cites Chilakala et al., 2022 source

      The Results and Discussion sections on edaphic factors report a positive correlation between clay content and dry root rot in chickpea and note that clay increases overall water retention. They do not address clay red soil compacting, poor drainage, or the suitability of pots for fava beans. The Discussion on root water relations instead associates more severe dry root rot with moisture deficit, not excess water. (LLM, conf=0.90)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Interpretationcitation

    The results suggest the efficacy of green compost in enhancing the production of secondary plant metabolites, particularly p-coumaric acid.

    “This suggests the efficacy of green compost in enhancing the production of secondary plant metabolites, particularly p-coumaric acid (Verrillo et al., 2021).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Verrillo et al., 2021 source

      The ‘Basil essential oils (EOs) production’ section reports increased essential-oil yields and effects on secondary metabolites after treatment with humic substances from green compost. It mentions p-coumaric acid only as a possible product of a biosynthetic pathway; it does not report increased p-coumaric acid production. Page numbers are unavailable in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingown data

    NPQ revealed a clear trend of enhanced thermal dissipation in the regolith-based substrates (R100 and R70C30), which were significantly higher than all other treatments at both sampling dates.

    “Finally, the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ, Figure 2d ; Supplementary Table S2 ) revealed a clear trend of enhanced thermal dissipation in the regolith-based substrates (R100 and R70C30), which were significantly higher than all other treatments (p ≤ 0.001) at both sampling dates.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 9
  • May combine two claims. 72
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

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

    Premisecitation

    Faba bean cultivation provides ecological and environmental benefits in sustainable agriculture, including hosting pollinating insects and establishing symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, reducing chemical fertilizer requirement.

    “Faba bean cultivation provides valuable ecological and environmental benefits in sustainable agriculture, also thanks to the aptitude to host pollinating insects and to establish symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia bacteria, which reduces the crop requirement of chemical fertilizers (Karkanis et al., 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Karkanis et al., 2018 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Organic amendment of regolith simulants improved physicochemical and hydraulic features and slightly reduced alkaline pH, allowing thriving plant growth of crops.

    “however, the organic amendment improved physicochemical and hydraulic features and slightly reduced the alkaline pH, allowing a thriving plant growth of these crops.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al., 2023a

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

    • cites Caporale et al., 2023b

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

    • cites Caporale et al., 2024 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Easily bioavailable nutrient fractions generally declined across all substrates, whereas potentially bioavailable fractions increased.

    “By analysing the dynamics of nutrient bioavailability over time (by comparing the bioavailable fractions assessed after fava bean cultivation and those after the previous experiment with potato, published in Caporale et al., 2024), we observed that the easily bioavailable nutrient fractions generally declined across all substrates, whereas the potentially bioavailable fractions increased.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al., 2024 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The positive effects of compost were presumably due to improvement of physical and chemical features and overall fertility of the regolith simulant, enhancing plant performance.

    “These positive effects of compost were presumably due to the improvement of the above-mentioned physical and chemical features and the overall fertility of the regolith simulant, enhancing the plant performance, as observed in lettuce (Duri et al., 2020) and potato (Caporale et al., 2023b) plants grown on the same substrates.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Duri et al., 2020 source
    • cites Caporale et al., 2023b

      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

    These results are consistent with findings by Caporale et al. (2023) for potato plants.

    “These results are consistent with findings by Caporale et al. (2023) for potato plants.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al. (2023) source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Ferrihydrite mediated exogenous organic matter stabilization in the regolith-based amended substrate (R70C30), while Fe(III)-organic matter complexes formed only in the sand-based growing medium (S70C30).

    “these authors found that ferrihydrite mediated exogenous organic matter stabilization in the regolith-based amended substrate (R70C30), while they observed the formation of Fe(III)-organic matter complexes only in the sand-based growing medium (S70C30).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Giannetta et al (2023) source
    • cites Giannetta et al, (2025) source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among the samples, fava seeds from R70C30 emerged as the most promising product exhibiting 1.4-fold higher total polyphenols than the other samples (735.8 ± 25 μg/g), followed by R100 and S70C30, which showed similar concentrations (p>0.05).

    “Among the samples, fava seeds from R70C30 emerged as the most promising product exhibiting 1.4-fold higher total polyphenols than the other samples (735.8 ± 25 µg/g), followed by R100 and S70C30, which showed similar concentrations (p>0.05).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In both extractions, a statistically different bioavailability of key nutrients was found among growing media; compost-enriched substrates showed similar or higher nutrient bioavailability than terrestrial soils (on average, 2.0-fold higher in Table 4 excluding B; 1.7-fold higher in Table 5), and much greater than non-amended substrates (on average, 2.3-fold higher in Table 4; 2.5-fold higher in表

    “In both cases, a statistically different bioavailability of key nutrients was found among the growing media; compost-enriched substrates showed a similar or higher nutrient bioavailability than terrestrial soils (on average, 2.0-fold higher in Table 4 excluding B; 1.7-fold higher in Table 5 ), and much greater than non-amended substrates (on average, 2.3-fold higher in Table 4 ; 2.5-fold higher in”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At both sampling dates, ΦPSII was higher in VS, RS, and S70C30, and lower in R100.

    “At both sampling dates, ΦPSII was higher in VS, RS, S70C30, and lower in R100.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Net photosynthesis was lower in fava bean plants grown in pure MMS-1 Mars regolith simulant than in other substrates, while addition of green compost restored assimilation to a rate similar to that of the other substrates.

    “Net photosynthesis was lower in plants in pure regolith, while the addition of compost restored assimilation at a similar rate to that of the other substrates.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Stomatal conductance (gs) was strongly influenced by date (p ≤ 0.001) but not by treatment (ns), although the interaction (T× D) was significant (p ≤ 0.05).

    “Stomatal conductance (gs, Figure 1b ; Supplementary Table S2 ) was strongly influenced by date (p ≤ 0.001) but not by treatment (ns), although the interaction (T× D) was significant (p ≤ 0.05).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    No statistically significant differences in EC were observed between RH and BK soils, apart from a significant decrease in rhizo soil of VS.

    “No statistically significant differences were observed between RH and BK soils, apart from a significant decrease in rhizo soil of VS ( Supplementary Figure S4B ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Epicatechin (91-388 μg/g) was the most abundant compound, followed by caffeic acid (55-146 μg/g), catechin (41-75.8 μg/g), and p-coumaric acid (21-52 μg/g), accounting approximately for 70% of the total polyphenols.

    “Epicatechin (91-388 µg/g) was the most abundant compound, followed by caffeic acid (55-146 µg/g), catechin (41-75.8 µg/g), and p-coumaric acid (21-52 µg/g), accounting approximatively for 70% of the total polyphenols.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Two-way ANOVA confirmed significant effects of treatment and date, as well as their interaction, on NP, gs, and E.

    “The two-way ANOVA confirmed significant effects of both treatment and date, as well as their interaction, on NP, gs, and E, indicating that the decline in photosynthetic activity during growth mainly depended on substrate type.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    No substrate influenced the dry matter percentage of seeds, which was 21.86% on average of the tested treatments.

    “No substrate influenced the dry matter percentage of seeds, which was 21.86% on the average of the tested treatments ( Table 2 ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The addition of green compost to MMS-1 (R70C30) did not significantly affect the number of leaves, number of pods, or plant leaf area.

    “however the addition of green compost (R70C30) seemed to increase the number of leaves and pods, and the plant leaf area, even though these effects were not statistically significant ( Table 1 )”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Seeds of plants grown in R100 showed a similar nutritional quality to seeds produced in terrestrial soils and compost-amended substrates, which was significantly better than that of seeds from S100.

    “it is interesting to note that the seeds of plants grown in R100 showed a similar nutritional quality to seeds produced in terrestrial soils and compost-amended substrates, which was significantly better than that of seeds from S100 ( Supplementary Table S3 ).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (fv/fm) varied less across treatments, with significant effects of treatment and T × D interaction.

    “The maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (fv/fm, Figure 2c ; Supplementary Table S2 ), varied less across treatments, with significant effects of treatment (p ≤ 0.01) and T × D interaction (p ≤ 0.01).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Addition of green compost (R70C30) strongly improved seed production (+61.9% with respect to R100), giving the same productive performance of VS and S70C30.

    “and strongly improved the seed production (+61.9% with respect to R100), giving the same productive performance of VS and S70C30 ( Table 2 ).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    NP showed highest values in VS, S100, and S70C30 at 35 DAT, whereas lowest values were observed in RS and R100 at 62 DAT.

    “NP showed the highest values in VS, S100, and S70C30 at 35 DAT, whereas the lowest values were observed in RS and R100 at 62 DAT.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Fava bean seeds contain great concentrations of N (30-41 g kg−1 DW) and K (12-16 g kg−1 DW); they are also a good source of S (2.5-4.2 g kg−1 DW), P (1.8-2.3 g kg−1 DW), Mg (0.9-1.2 g kg−1 DW), Ca (0.7-0.9 g kg−1 DW), and other micronutrients such as Na, Fe, Zn, B, Mn, and Cu (in concentrations <0.1 g kg−1 DW).

    “Apart from the highly-concentrated C (i.e., the major element of all the biomolecules), fava bean seeds contain great concentrations of N (min-max, 30–41 g kg−1 DW) and K (12–16 g kg−1 DW); they are also a good source of S (2.5-4.2 g kg−1 DW), P (1.8-2.3 g kg−1 DW), Mg (0.9-1.2 g kg−1 DW), Ca (0.7-0.9 g kg−1 DW), and other micronutrients such as Na, Fe, Zn, B, Mn, and Cu (in concentrations <0.1 g”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Comparing fava beans grown in VS and RS, there were no significant differences in most phenolic compounds, except for catechin, ferulic acid, naringin, and myricetin 3-O-glucoside, whose concentrations were significantly higher in RS.

    “Comparing the fava beans grown in volcanic sandy-loam soil (VS) and red clay soil (RS), there were no significant differences in most of phenolic compounds, except for catechin (75.8 ± 0.4 µg/g), ferulic acid (9 ± 0.3 µg/g), naringin (30.6 ± 1.2 µg/g), and myricetin 3-O-glucoside (7.6 ± 0.4 µg/g), whose concentrations were significantly higher in RS (p<0.05).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In pure regolith (R100), the number of seeds was similar to VS and S70C30, but since they were very small, the total yield was among the lowest values.

    “In pure regolith (R100), the number of seeds was similar to VS and S70C30, nevertheless, since they were very small, the total yield was among the lowest values ( Table 2 ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Net photosynthesis (NP) was significantly affected by treatment (p ≤ 0.001) and date (p ≤ 0.001), with a significant interaction (T × D, p ≤ 0.05).

    “Net photosynthesis (NP, Figure 1a ; Supplementary Table S2 ) was significantly affected by both treatment (p ≤ 0.001) and date (p ≤0.001), with a significant interaction (T × D, p ≤ 0.05).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Findingown data

    The compost-amended growing media (R70C30 and S70C30) showed significantly higher concentrations of organic C, total N, and S, and C/N ratio than terrestrial soils (VS and RS) and pure substrates (R100 and S100); no statistically significant differences were found between RH and BK soils.

    “The compost-amended growing media (R70C30 and S70C30) showed significantly higher concentrations of these elements than terrestrial soils (VS and RS) and pure substrates (R100 and S100); no statistically significant differences were found between RH and BK soils ( Supplementary Table S4 ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    VS at 62 DAT and S100 at 35 DAT showed the lowest NPQ.

    “In contrast, VS at 62 DAT and S100 at 35 DAT showed the lowest NPQ, confirming reduced engagement of non-photochemical energy dissipation in sand-grown plants.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In R100, after fava bean cultivation, organic C increased by 52%, N by 19%, and S by 27%.

    “in R100, +52% organic C, +19% N, and +27% S”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Fava seeds produced by a R70C30 plant could feed an astronaut with a total of 222 mg of essential nutrients such as K, N, S, P, Mg, Ca and Na and 667 μg of other healthy nutrients such as Na, Fe, Zn, B, Mn and Cu; these values are much higher than those assessed with the pure R100 Mars simulant (i.e., 133 mg of summed K, N, S, P, Mg, Ca and Na, and 515 μg of summed Na, Fe, Zn, B, Mn and Cu).

    “For instance, the fava seeds produced by a R70C30 plant could feed an astronaut with a total of total of 222 mg of essential nutrients such as K, N, S, P, Mg, Ca and Na (value obtained by the sum of their contents) and 667 μg of other healthy nutrients such as Na, Fe, Zn, B, Mn and Cu ( Table 3 ); these values are much higher than those assessed with the pure R100 Mars simulant (i.e., 133 mg of”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Plant height was similar in all substrates except in red soil (RS), which gave significantly shorter plants.

    “Plant height was similar in all substrates except in red soil (RS), which gave significantly shorter plants.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    All photosynthetic pigments of fava bean leaves showed the same trend of variation among substrates, with the highest content of chlorophylls and carotenoids in RS, followed by VS and S100, and the lowest in S70C30, R100, and R70C30.

    “All photosynthetic pigments of fava bean leaves ( Figure 3 ) showed the same trend of variation among the different substrates, with the highest content of both chlorophylls and carotenoids in RS, followed by VS and S100, and the lowest in S70C30, R100, and R70C30.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    R70C30 showed the highest ETR at 35 DAT, while R100 and S100 maintained significantly lower values at 62 DAT.

    “R70C30 showed the highest ETR at 35 DAT, while R100 and S100 maintained significantly lower values at 62 DAT.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Highest transpiration was recorded in R100 at 62 DAT, while VS at both 35 and 62 DAT showed lowest values.

    “The highest transpiration was recorded in R100 at 62 DAT, while VS at both 35 and 62 DAT showed the lowest values.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Samples cultivated on S70C30 and R70C30 showed a content of epicatechin 2.3- and 2.7-fold higher than the counterparts S100 and R100, respectively.

    “Interestingly, the samples cultivated on the fluvial sand and Mojave Mars regolith simulant mixed with the green compost, namely S70C30 and R70C30, showed a content of epicatechin 2.3- and 2.7-fold higher than the counterparts S100 and R100, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both mixtures with compost (S70C30 and R70C30) gave the highest harvest index, as incidence of seed dry weight on total dry weight (29.9% and 26.9%, respectively) and consequently the lowest amount of waste (73.1% and 70.1%, respectively).

    “Results revealed that both the mixtures with compost (S70C30 and R70C30) gave the highest harvest index, as incidence of seed dry weight on the total dry weight (29.9% and 26.9%, respectively) and, consequently, the lowest amount of waste (73.1% and 70.1%, respectively).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For transpiration rate (E), treatment (p ≤ 0.001) and interaction (p ≤ 0.001) were significant, whereas date alone was not (ns).

    “For transpiration rate (E, Figure 1c ; Supplementary Table S2 ), treatment (p ≤ 0.001) and the interaction (p ≤ 0.001) were significant, whereas date alone was not (ns).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Highest gs values occurred in S100 at 35 DAT, while lowest were recorded in RS and R70C30 at 62 DAT and in R100 at 35 DAT; all other treatments showed intermediate values.

    “The highest gs values occurred in S100 at 35 DAT, while the lowest were recorded in RS and R70C30 at 62 DAT and in R100 at 35 DAT. All other treatments showed intermediate values.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The easily bioavailable fractions decreased by 35% in S100 (on average for all nutrients), 28% in S70C30 and 24% in R100; the potentially bioavailable fractions increased by 22% in S100, 23% in S70C30, 41% in R100, and 34% in R70C30.

    “For instance, the easily bioavailable fractions decreased by 35% in S100 (on average for all the nutrients), 28% in S70C30 and 24% in R100; on the other hand, the potentially bioavailable fractions increased by 22% in S100 (on average for all nutrients), 23% in S70C30, 41% in R100, and 34% in R70C30.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Plants on volcanic soil (VS) and sand and compost mixture (S70C30) produced the largest leaf area and the greatest total aerial biomass.

    “However, the overall plant growth did not reflect the plant height, and plants on volcanic soil (VS) and sand and compost mixture (S70C30) produced the largest leaf area ( Table 1 ) and the greatest total aerial biomass ( Table 2 ).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both VS and RS samples exhibited the highest value of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (on average 30 μg/g); however, they had the lowest total polyphenol content compared to the other samples.

    “Both samples exhibited the highest value of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (on average 30 µg/g); however, they had the lowest total polyphenol content compared to the other samples.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Cultivation on volcanic sandy-loam soil and red clay soil resulted in a low polyphenol content, with no statistically significant differences between them (p>0.05).

    “Moreover, the cultivation on volcanic sandy-loam soil and red clay soil resulted in a low polyphenol content, with no statistically significant differences between them (p>0.05).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    VS at 62 DAT showed the highest fv/fm, while RS at 62 DAT presented the lowest values.

    “VS at 62 DAT showed the highest fv/fm, while RS at 62 DAT presented the lowest values.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The interaction between Soil (S) × RH vs. BK (RB) was significant (p < 0.05) for K, Fe, Mn, and Cu (Table 4), and only for K (Table 5).

    “The interaction between the factors of Soil (S) × RH vs. BK (RB) was significant (p < 0.05) for K, Fe, Mn, and Cu ( Table 4 ), and only for K ( Table 5 ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Sample R100 contained highest level of caffeic acid (145.7 ± 13.4 μg/g), rutin (48.2 ± 4.2 μg/g), apigenin 7-O-glucoside (120.1 ± 6.2 μg/g), and ferulic acid (24 ± 0.1 μg/g).

    “Similarly, the sample R100 contained highest level of caffeic acid (145.7 ± 13.4 µg/g), rutin (48.2 ± 4.2 µg/g), apigenin 7-O-glucoside (120.1 ± 6.2 µg/g), and ferulic acid (24 ± 0.1 µg/g).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The samples analyzed in this study exhibited a phenolic profile similar to those previously reported, with quantitative differences depending on cultivation conditions.

    “Regarding the characterization of polyphenols, the samples analyzed in this study exhibited a phenolic profile similar to those previously reported (Valente et al., 2018; Johnson et al., 2021), with quantitative differences depending on cultivation conditions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Valente et al., 2018 source
    • cites Johnson et al., 2021 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    When regolith was mixed with compost (R70C30), transpiration decreased by 35%, while photosynthesis increased by 20%.

    “When regolith was mixed with compost (R70C30), transpiration decreased by 35%, while photosynthesis increased by 20%.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The amendment of MMS-1 simulant with compost enhanced the productivity of fava bean plants, the nutritional value of the fava seeds (in terms of concentrations and contents of mineral nutrients) and total polyphenols.

    “The amendment of MMS-1 simulant with compost enhanced the productivity of fava bean plants, the nutritional value of the fava seeds (in terms of concentrations and contents of mineral nutrients) and total polyphenols.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among the samples, faba bean seeds grown on R70C30 showed the highest total polyphenol content, followed by those grown on R100 and S70C30.

    “Among the samples, faba bean seeds grown on R70C30 showed the highest total polyphenol content, followed by those grown on R100 and S70C30.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The largest decreases in photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were observed in RS and R100 (especially at 62 DAT) substrates, and also R70C30 for gs.

    “The largest decreases in photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were observed in RS and R100 (especially at 62 DAT) substrates, and also R70C30 for gs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    R100 plants had reduced aerial biomass and a reduction in net photosynthesis at both 35 and 62 DAT.

    “This is supported by the reduced aerial biomass observed in R100 during our experiment, as well as a reduction in net-photosynthesis at both 35 and 62 DAT.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The addition of green compost mitigated alkalinity and improved physicochemical properties, nutrient bioavailability, and fertility of the regolith simulant.

    “However, the addition of green compost mitigated the alkalinity and improved physicochemical properties, nutrient bioavailability, and fertility of the regolith simulant, resulting in positive effects on the seed production, the harvest index and the nutritional seed quality of fava bean, in line with the results observed in terrestrial soils, particularly volcanic soils.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    NPQ was significantly influenced by treatment, date, and their interaction, showing the highest values in regolith-based substrates (R100 and R70C30) at both sampling dates, and the lowest in VS at 62 DAT and S100, especially at 35 DAT.

    “Consistent with this, NPQ was significantly influenced by treatment, date, and their interaction, showing the highest values in regolith-based substrates (R100 and R70C30) at both sampling date, and the lowest in VS at 62 DAT and S100, especially at 35 DAT.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Fava bean plants cv. 'Sfardella', grown in pot in unheated glasshouse, in winter-spring period, completed the seed-to-seed cycle and formed healthy seeds on all tested substrates in 92 days.

    “Fava bean plants cv. 'Sfardella', grown in pot in unheated glasshouse, in winter-spring period, completed the seed-to-seed cycle and formed healthy seeds on all the tested substrates in 92 days, which is the expected time for the cultivation period, considering the positive effect on the earliness of the controlled climate conditions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Study design and conductnone given

    The assumptions of ANOVA were verified: normality of residuals was tested using Shapiro-Wilk and homogeneity of variances with Levene's test.

    “The assumptions of ANOVA were verified prior to the analyses: normality of residuals was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test and homogeneity of variances was checked with Levene's test.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    MMS-1 is a coarse, alkaline material (pH 8.86) consisting of plagioclases, amorphous components, and zeolite, containing K, Ca, Mg, Fe, but lacking organic C, N, P, fine particles with colloidal properties, and suitable water retention.

    “The MMS-1 is a coarse, alkaline material (pH 8.86), consisting of a mixture of plagioclases, amorphous components, and zeolite, containing some essential plant nutrients (e.g., K, Ca, Mg, and Fe), but lacking organic C, N, P, fine particles with colloidal properties and a suitable water retention (Caporale et al., 2020).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al., 2020 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The green compost used showed a low C/N ratio, implying good N availability, and a good aromatic moiety, guaranteeing stability of organic matter and gradual mineral release over time.

    “The green compost (Vivai Gardea, Villafranca di Verona, Italy), from the natural, slow microbial decomposition of pruning waste and grass cuttings (3 months in controlled conditions), showed a low C/N ratio, implying a good N availability, and a good aromatic moiety, guaranteeing the stability of the organic matter and a gradual mineral release over time (Caporale et al., 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al., 2020 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    As the plant transitions to reproductive stages (62 DAT), carbohydrates are redirected from leaves to developing flowers, pods, and seeds, reducing overall photosynthetic efficiency and stomatal conductance.

    “As the plant transitions to reproductive stages (62 DAT), resources such as carbohydrates are redirected from leaves to developing flowers, pods, and seeds, reducing the overall photosynthetic efficiency and stomatal conductance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSSs) can help sustain human life in Space by performing regenerative functions such as reconverting crew wastes into oxygen, potable water, and edible biomass.

    “Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSSs) can help to sustain human life in Space by performing several fundamental regenerative functions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Häder et al., 2018 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Based on criteria for BLSS cultivation, fava bean would be a good candidate for space cultivation because plants can have compact size and high productive performance, and seeds are a good source of proteins, carbohydrates, B-group vitamins, and minerals.

    “Based on the above-mentioned criteria, fava bean would be a good candidate for space cultivation, as plants can have a compact size and high productive performance, and seeds are a good source of proteins, carbohydrates, B-group vitamins, and minerals (Crépon et al., 2010).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Crépon et al., 2010 source

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

    Premisecitation

    Fava bean is a cool-season, annual grain legume widely cultivated in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere.

    “Fava bean (Vicia faba L., botanical family Fabaceae) is a cool-season, annual grain legume, widely cultivated in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere (Duc et al., 2015).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Duc et al., 2015 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Most data about fava bean plant performance comes from studies on soil in outdoor conditions, and only a few reports concern soilless cultivation in greenhouse or controlled environment.

    “However, it is a typical open-field crop, hence most the data about plant performance comes from studies on soil in outdoor conditions, and only a few reports concern soilless cultivation in greenhouse (Alza et al., 2024) or controlled environment (Vestland, 2024).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Alza et al., 2024 source
    • cites Vestland, 2024

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

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The decline in easily bioavailable nutrients and increase in potentially bioavailable fraction indicate a strengthening interaction with the substrate adsorption surface.

    “indicating a strengthening interaction with the substrate adsorption surface”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The soybean symptoms were presumably due to poor water retention, alkaline pH, low bioavailability of nutrients, and high Na concentration, confirming limits of Martian regoliths and highlighting greater sensitivity of soybean compared to other crops.

    “This response, presumably due to multiple reasons (i.e., poor water retention, alkaline pH, low bioavailability of nutrients and high concentration of Na), confirmed the limits of Martian regoliths, and highlighted a great sensitivity of soybean compared to other corps previously tested.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al., 2023a

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

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    These results are related to the nutrient content or bioavailability in the substrates and to the seed biomass collected from the different growing media.

    “These results are related to the nutrient content or bioavailability in the substrates ( Tables 4 , 5 ) and to the seed biomass collected from the different growing media ( Table 2 ).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Compost supply allowed fava bean plants to raise their seed dry biomass and to maintain a high qualitative standard, in line with the findings observed in the two terrestrial soils (VS > RS).

    “compost supply allowed fava bean plants to raise their seed dry biomass and to maintain a high qualitative standard, in line with the findings observed in the two terrestrial soils (VS > RS).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    R100 treatment produced a scarce seed yield but of a high nutritional quality.

    “This implies that R100 treatment produced a scarce seed yield but of a high nutritional quality;”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    Higher plants are effective bioregenerators, able to renew air via photosynthesis, purify water through transpiration, recycle waste through nutrient uptake, and provide fresh food and psychological benefits for astronauts.

    “Higher plants are effective bioregenerators, as they are able to renew air via photosynthesis, to purify water through transpiration, and to recycle waste through nutrient uptake, also providing fresh food along with physical and psychological health benefits for astronauts (Wheeler, 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Wheeler, 2010

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

    Premisecitation

    Several salad and staple crops have been selected for cultivation in BLSSs based on criteria including compact plant size, short growing cycle, high productivity and harvest index, high nutrient and nutraceutical value, and low fertilizer requirement.

    “Several salad and staple crops have been selected for cultivation in BLSSs based on specific criteria, including compact plant size, short growing cycle, high productivity and harvest index (as a ratio of edible part to total biomass), high produce nutrient and nutraceutical value, and low requirement of fertilizers (De Micco et al., 2012).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites De Micco et al., 2012 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    R70C30 had a parallel increase in harvest index, implying a reduction in inedible biomass percentage and waste to be disposed.

    “The addition of green compost (R70C30) strongly improved the seed production (+61.9% with respect to R100), giving the same productive performance as VS and S70C30, with no relevant effect on the plant leaf area and aerial biomass, hence with a parallel increase in the harvest index (implying a reduction in the inedible biomass percentage, hence of the waste to be disposed).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Fv/Fm is a reliable indicator of plant health, with values around 0.8 reflecting optimal conditions, while lower values signal unfavourable conditions for the photosynthetic machinery, often due to stress.

    “Fv/Fm is a reliable indicator of plant health, with values around 0.8 reflecting optimal conditions (Björkman and Demmig, 1987), while lower values signal unfavourable conditions for the photosynthetic machinery, often due to stress (Baker and Rosenqvist, 2004).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Björkman and Demmig, 1987 source
    • cites Baker and Rosenqvist, 2004

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

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Regolith-based substrates promoted a greater need for energy dissipation, whereas sand- and compost-based substrates allowed more efficient photochemistry with reduced reliance on non-photochemical quenching.

    “This indicates that regolith-based substrates promoted a greater need for energy dissipation, whereas sand- and compost-based substrates allowed more efficient photochemistry with reduced reliance on non-photochemical quenching.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    MMS-1 pure simulant allowed fava bean plants to produce a yield of high quality, but with low productivity.

    “However, the seeds of R100 plants had a similar nutritional quality to seeds produced on terrestrial or compost-amended substrates; hence, MMS-1 pure simulant allowed fava bean plants to produce a yield of high quality, but with a low productivity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    Nutrient bioavailability in the rhizosphere is influenced by several soil properties, such as pH and EC, clay and organic matter contents, and is controlled by a wide range of dynamic processes.

    “Nutrient bioavailability in the rhizosphere is influenced by several soil properties, such as pH and EC, clay and organic matter contents, and is controlled by a wide range of dynamic processes (Adamo et al., 2024).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Adamo et al., 2024 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The inability of MMS-1 to fulfil plant requirements is due to absence of organic matter and related key nutrients such as N, P and S, but also to low bioavailability of other essential nutrients intimately occluded in mineral lattices.

    “This is due to the absence of organic matter and related key nutrients such as N, P and S, but also to the low bioavailability of the other essential nutrients intimately occluded in the mineral lattices.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The addition of green compost resulted in positive effects on seed production, harvest index, and nutritional seed quality of fava bean, in line with terrestrial soils, particularly volcanic soils.

    “However, the addition of green compost mitigated the alkalinity and improved physicochemical properties, nutrient bioavailability, and fertility of the regolith simulant, resulting in positive effects on the seed production, the harvest index and the nutritional seed quality of fava bean, in line with the results observed in terrestrial soils, particularly volcanic soils.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    It is essential to use this medium in consecutive plant-growing cycles to progressively enhance its physical, chemical, and biological fertility, thereby ensuring consistent crop productivity and quality over time.

    “Moreover, it is also essential to use this medium in consecutive plant-growing cycles to progressively enhance its physical, chemical, and biological fertility, thereby ensuring consistent crop productivity and quality over time.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The R100 substrate caused the greatest water loss, thereby increasing the risk of tissue dehydration.

    “However, the highest transpiration rate was observed only in plants grown on R100 (regolith alone), especially towards the end of the cycle (62 DAT), implying that the substrate caused the greatest water loss, thereby increasing the risk of tissue dehydration.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Regolith lacks water retention, nutrients, and organic matter, and therefore restricts plant growth.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Despite Mars regolith simulant MMS-1 containing several essential nutrients for plant growth, it is not able to fulfil the plant requirements.

    “Despite Mars regolith simulant MMS-1 contains several essential nutrients for plant growth (Caporale et al., 2020), it is not able to fulfil the plant requirements.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Caporale et al., 2020 source
77 of 77

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The Mojave Mars regolith Simulant MMS-1 is a valid analog for Martian regolith for the purpose of assessing fava bean performance in space farming.

    “v) Mojave Mars regolith Simulant MMS-1, (R100), and vi) Mojave Mars regolith Simulant mixed with green compost (R70C30).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Regolith lacks water retention, nutrients, and organic matter, and therefore restricts plant growth.

    “Regolith lacks water retention, nutrients, and organic matter, thus it restricts plant growth.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Thermal dissipation, particularly through non-photochemical quenching, dissipates excess light energy as heat and prevents damage to the photosynthetic apparatus.

    “Thermal dissipation, particularly through mechanisms like non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), helps to dissipate excess light energy as heat, preventing damage to the photosynthetic apparatus.”
3 of 3

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.

  • Discussion calls the E date effect significant despite a nonsignificant result

    Minor

    The discussion says date significantly affected transpiration rate E, whereas the results explicitly say date alone did not.

  • Discussion calls the gs treatment effect significant despite a nonsignificant result

    Minor

    The discussion says treatment, date, and their interaction all significantly affected gs. The results explicitly report no significant treatment effect on gs.

  • Harvest is dated both 106 and 92 days after transplanting

    Minor

    Table 2 dates the harvest at 106 DAT, whereas the methods date the harvest at 92 DAT.

  • S70C30 harvest index is assigned the wrong percentage

    Minor

    Table 2 gives 4.96 g of dry seeds and 18.54 g of total dry biomass for S70C30, yielding a harvest index of 26.8%, not 29.9%. The stated 29.9% instead matches R70C30.

    Reported 29.9 · recomputed 26.752967

  • Conclusion says pure regolith reduced every physiological parameter

    Minor

    The conclusion says pure MMS-1 reduced all measured physiological parameters compared with terrestrial substrates, but the results identify R100 as having the highest transpiration rate.

  • Figure 1 caption reverses the gs and E panels

    Minor

    The results identify panel B as stomatal conductance and panel C as transpiration, but the figure caption assigns those parameters to panels C and B, respectively.

  • R70C30 harvest index is assigned the wrong percentage

    Minor

    Table 2 gives 4.45 g of dry seeds and 14.89 g of total dry biomass for R70C30, yielding a harvest index of 29.9%, not 26.9%. The two compost-mixture harvest indices appear to have been reversed.

    Reported 26.9 · recomputed 29.885829

7 of 7

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 5

  1. Adugna, 2016, review on impact of compost on soil properties, water use and crop productivity, Acad. Res. J. Agric. Sci. Res., 4, 93, 10.14662/arjasr2016.010 · DOI
  2. Duc, 2015, Faba bean, 141
  3. Havaux, 1996, Stress tolerance of photosynthetic membranes in plants, Trends Plant Sci., 1, 132, 10.1016/j.envexpbot.2023.105571 · DOI · Paper page
  4. Lichtenthaler, 2002, Photosynthetic pigments and their role in plant stress responses
  5. Vestland, 2024, The Effect of Red/Blue Light and CO2 Enrichment on Development, Photosynthesis, Yield and Quality of Vicia faba Grown in Controlled Environment. [Master's thesis]

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Caporale, A. G., Paradiso, R., Arouna, N., Amitrano, C., Tagliamonte, S., Chiacchio, M. F., Vitaglione, P., De Pascale, S., & Adamo, P.
Affiliations
University of Naples Federico II (IT)
Corresponding author
  • Caporale, Antonio Giandonato
  • Paradiso, Roberta
ORCID
Venue
Frontiers in Plant Science
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Published
2025-10-13
Volume
16
Pages
1676285-1676285
ISSN
1664-462X (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3389/fpls.2025.1676285
PMC
PMC12556254
OpenAlex
W4415104252
Cited by
1
References
39
Citations by year
2026: 1
FWCI
0.50
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Frontiers in Plant Science (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Plant Growth and Agriculture Techniques
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Growth and nutrition in plants
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Agricultural Science and Fertilization
Keywords
Vicia faba, space agriculture, nutrient bioavailability, soil fertility dynamics, net photosynthesis, seed yield, seed nutritional quality, fluvial sands, volcanic soils, substrate adsorption

About these checks

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.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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