In a NASA-funded study, scientists from the University of Florida grew plants on soil taken from the moon, according to a study published Thursday in the journal. Communication biology.

In a statement, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said the study is important to NASA’s long-term goals of human space exploration. press release. He added that the research could also have implications for plants that grow in harsh conditions on Earth.

“We will need to use the resources on the Moon and Mars to develop food sources for future astronauts living and working in deep space,” Nelson said.

In the study, researchers planted seeds Arabidopsis thaliana – A plant associated with mustard greens, as well as cruciferous vegetables, including cauliflower and broccoli – in lunar soil, taken directly from the moon during the Apollo 11, 12 and 17 missions.

For comparison, the researchers also planted the seeds in a lunar simulator, designed to closely mimic real lunar soil.