National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA.gov. March 23, 2007.
NASA plant growing experiments have demonstrated that plants can grow without soil and with very little water. Aeroponic systems grow plants in an air/mist environment, developing healthy root systems with nutrient-rich spray. These systems can reduce water usage by 98%, fertilizer usage by 60%, and pesticide usage by 100%. The suspended system prevents transplant shock and maximizes crop yields. Plant growing using aeroponic systems take up more minerals and vitamins, making them healthier and potentially more nutritious. Successful long-term missions into deep space will require that crews grow some of their own food during flight, and aeroponic crops are also a potential source of fresh oxygen and clean drinking water.