| Start Date: | 3 октомври 2026 |
| End Date: | |
| Project Leader: | Totka Todorova-Metodieva |
| Budget: | 170 000,00 лв. |
Abstract
Growing plants on space and orbital stations or on another planet is a challenge which solution will be part of the global mastery of space and its use for the development of the mankind. Growing plants in space is a significant step towards more lasting mastery of space. Along with this, it is a way to make better the stay of astronauts at the space stations, and later on the planets. The main goal of the project is to study the Bulgarian natural zeolites clinoptilolite and mordenite, on which base to prepare substrate suitable for plant growth in space greenhouses. To achieve our goal, the following scientific tasks have been set: - Study of the structure, composition, morphological, textural and hydrophilic properties of the two types of natural zeolites; - Modification of zeolite materials with ions and substances enriched with nutrients needed for plant development; - Study of the clinoptilolite and mordenite properties as carriers for controlled release of nutrients into the growth substrate; - Study of the pressure resistance of the mixed clinoptilolite and mordenite simulating the launching of spacecraft; - Study of the seed germination of different plant species (spinach, tomato, radish) on substrates of natural and modified zeolites; - Study of the growth parameters of spinach, tomato and radish developed on natural and modified zeolites; - Monitoring the ability of plants (tomato and radish) to bear fruit and produce viable seeds when grown on natural and modified zeolites. The development of the project will allow to acquire new fundamental knowledge about the use of natural and modified zeolites for the cultivation of plants in space greenhouses. The results of these studies will create a solid basis for future research on the possibilities for growing plants in microgravity. An integrated approach based on a combination of chemical, biological and agronomic methods of analysis will be applied.Назад...
