How Can Local Regolith Be Used to Create Self-Sustaining Agriculture Zones Without Relying on Full Planetary Terraforming?

Abstract

Establishing sustainable agricultural systems is essential for long-duration human habitation in extraterrestrial environments. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing lunar regolith as a foundational resource for developing localized, self-sustaining agricultural zones without requiring full planetary terraforming. By integrating regolith-derived materials with hydroponic cultivation, closed-loop waste recycling, and modular habitat design, the research demonstrates how in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) can support food production, oxygen generation, and habitat sustainability. The findings indicate that regolith can serve multiple roles, including structural support, radiation shielding, and resource extraction, while hydroponics and waste-recycling systems provide efficient nutrient cycling. These integrated systems present a scientifically realistic pathway toward sustainable lunar habitation.