Scientists grew chickpeas in fake moon dirt with the help of fungi

Chickpea roots with beneficial fungi (left) spread wider, absorb more nutrients and water, and block harmful heavy metals. Without the fungi (right), roots are shorter and less protected. Worm compost feeds the soil with microorganisms and nutrients the plant needs to grow. (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35759-0)

Coat a chickpea seed in beneficial f…