MSL - SAM and CHEMIN, Discussion of the science/results from these instruments |
MSL - SAM and CHEMIN, Discussion of the science/results from these instruments |
Nov 21 2012, 11:46 AM
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Senior Member Group: Admin Posts: 3108 Joined: 21-December 05 From: Canberra, Australia Member No.: 615 |
ADMIN NOTE: Hi All, a new topic for the discussion of the science from the SAM and Chemin instruments.
There has been a very important amendment to Rule 1.3 which is explained here. Please remember Rule 1.3 at all times when discussing matters in this section. |
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Mar 14 2013, 10:12 AM
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Member Group: Members Posts: 102 Joined: 8-August 12 Member No.: 6511 |
Here's a hypothetical question. Suppose you were to take a kilo or two of the rock dust from CheMin's recent sample. Pour it into a flower pot. Add some nitrogen -- say, in the form of urea crystals ground fine -- and then add a hundred grams of humus to supply soil microorganisms. Let's say we want a mix that's 95% Martian rock dust, 5% Earth humus and a bit of nitrogen.
Now add some water. You could totally grow stuff in this, right? Plant your geraniums, or whatever? The Martian dust has potassium and phosphorus, calcium and magnesium and iron. It's got everything but nitrogen compounds, water and microorganisms. Right? Or -- not? Are the useful elements in compounds that make them unavailable (i.e., P2O5 instead of phosphates)? Would the mechanical properties of the rock and the resulting dust (water permeability, etc.) raise issues? Doug M. |
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