It is noted that water is the driving force behind most chemical reactions, the translocation of constituents, and the intensity and resultant biochemical reactions within the soil profile. Whereas on the moon there are more than 2200 known terrestrial minerals, only about 100 have been identified on lunar regolith, and most occur only in minor or trace quantities.
Dominant minerals are olivine, pyroxene, anorthite, and minor amounts of ilmenite.
Many crops, however, have shown a positive response to the incorporation of plant residues and animal manures as organic fertilizer supplements and it is suggested that human waste byproducts and plant residues could provide essential nutrients deficient in lunar regolith. Compared to other procedures such as hydrophonics and aerophonics, lunar soils used for the growth of food crops would require low maintenance. Particle size and weathering of lunar regolith are also discussed. This work provides information on research and experimentation concerning various aspects of food production in space and particularly on the moon. Options for human settlement of the moon and Mars and strategies for a lunar base are discussed.