Vegetables are grown using hydroponic farming at research bases in Antarctica

In Antarctica, which is covered with glaciers year-round and spends six months of the year in darkness, the hydroponic farming method is applied to meet the fresh food needs of research bases.

Controlled Agriculture in Harsh Climate

Antarctica has a harsh climate that does not allow traditional farming in open areas due to its year-round glacier-covered structure and experiencing six months of darkness during the year. In this challenging geography, vegetables are grown in special production areas protected from the external environment and where conditions can be fully controlled.

Details of the Hydroponic Method

In the applied hydroponic farming method, instead of being traditionally planted in soil, plants are nourished with a special water solution containing the minerals they need. Temperature, humidity level, and lighting conditions are precisely regulated within the system.

Solution for Fresh Food Supply

Since long distances, harsh weather conditions, and limited transportation facilities make it quite difficult to supply fresh food from outside the continent, this production inside the research bases constitutes a vital alternative. Fast-growing leafy vegetables such as lettuce, arugula, spinach, and chard are harvested in approximately 30 to 45 days.

Shedding Light on Future Space Missions

These successful agricultural studies carried out at Antarctic bases also serve as an important example for research on how similar closed-loop systems can be established and operated in long-term space missions that may be organized in the future.