Scientists unlock lunar soil’s agricultural potential, paving the way for sustainable moon farming

admin 2024年2月21日

Beginner

science & technology, science & technology - beginner

©Reuters

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。

Have you ever thought about whether plants can grow in the soil on the moon?
Do you know if the soil on the moon is good for growing traditional crops like we have on Earth?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。

ability /uh-BIL-i-tee/

[noun] – the physical or mental power or skill needed to do something
Her ability to adapt to new situations makes her an excellent problem-solver.

create /kree-EYT/

[verb] – to make something new or invent something
The artist aims to create a masterpiece that reflects the beauty of nature.

base /beys/

[noun] – a fundamental structure or location serving as a foundation for specific activities
The construction team is working on establishing a solid base for the new building.

crop /krop/

[noun] – (the total amount collected from) a plant such as a grain, fruit, or vegetable grown in large amounts
The farmers are concerned about the impact of changing weather patterns on their crop yields.

challenge /CHAL-inj/

[noun] – (the situation of being faced with) something that needs great mental or physical effort in order to be done successfully and therefore tests a person’s ability
Overcoming challenges in a rapidly evolving industry requires adaptability and innovation.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。

Scientists, led by Yitong Xia from China Agricultural University, discovered a crucial method to help plants grow on the moon. They introduced special bacteria to lunar soil to improve its ability to support plant growth, aiming to create sustainable moon bases with a reliable food source. Traditional crops face challenges in lunar soil, making this innovative method essential. Lab tests on simulated lunar soil revealed that treated soil enhanced plant growth, suggesting the potential for cultivating plants in future lunar colonies and creating soil suitable for lunar greenhouse agriculture.

Yitong Xia stressed the bacteria’s importance, clarifying its role in improving lunar soil for plants. By reducing acidity, the bacteria aid in releasing vital nutrients like phosphorus, essential for plant growth. This transformation could make the lunar regolith suitable for plants, securing a stable food source for future moon settlements. A Reuters report underscored the significance of adapting lunar soil for agriculture, potentially enabling prolonged human habitation on the moon by ensuring a reliable food source and establishing the groundwork for sustainable long-term agriculture.

True or False:

Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.

文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。

Yitong Xia is a scientist from China Agricultural University.
The scientists introduced special bacteria to the lunar soil to hinder plant growth.
The primary goal is to create sustainable moon bases with an unreliable food source.
Lab tests on simulated lunar soil showed that untreated soil enhanced plant growth.
Yitong Xia emphasized the importance of increasing soil acidity for plant growth on the moon.

Fill in the blanks:

Choose the correct word from the table then fill in the blanks.

適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。

ability

create

base

crop

challenge

Farmers carefully tend to their fields, hoping for a bountiful ________ of fruits and vegetables.
The ________ to speak multiple languages is a valuable skill in today’s globalized world.
Overcoming the difficulties of a new job can be seen as a personal ________ for growth and development.
The chef decided to ________ a new recipe for the restaurant’s menu.
The military established a strategic ________ on the island to monitor and respond to potential threats.