Utilizing Mineral Fertilization Strategies to Enhance Cowpea Biomass Yield and Nutritional Value

To enhance sustainable biomass production and minimize environmental pollution, optimizing mineral fertilization for forage crops like cowpea is crucial under changing climates. A field experiment revealed that applying 150-100-100 kg·ha-1 N-P-K significantly improved cowpea's yield, height, and nutritional quality, with 73% higher green forage yield compared to control. Similarly, innovative nutrient sources like synthetic urine have been explored for space farming. A hydroponic trial using 10% synthetic urine for sugar beets showed promising growth results, though it underperformed in leaf width and beet fresh weight compared to standard nutrient solutions. Additionally, sustainable construction materials are vital for lunar missions. Human hair, due to its tensile strength, could replace metal reinforcements in cement, lowering mission costs. Tests with hair-reinforced cement revealed increased workability and porosity, though compressive strength slightly decreased. These findings highlight advancements in agriculture and construction for sustainable practices on Earth and beyond.