Episode 1A: The Martian - Interview with Chris Guppy and Richard Flavel
Dr. Chris Guppy and Dr. Richard Flavel discuss agronomy, the properties of soil, and whether or not interplanetary agriculture would be possible, drawing from the central concept of The Martian.
In the first instalment of Sci Flicks for 2022, Marissa Betts sits down with Dr. Chris Guppy, Associate Professor in Soil Fertility, and Dr. Richard Flavel, Lecturer in Crop Science; to talk about the themes present in the 2015 film The Martian. From crop production and soil resilience to the difficulties of using human waste as fertilizer, you will hear about all of the challenges present in trying to produce crops on the surface of Mars and whether or not the agricultural science present in the Martian is feasible and accurate. Along with critiquing Hollywood's, ahem, creative liberties with the realms of possibility, Chris and Richard will also talk about the science behind agronomy and crop science. Pop this episode on and get ready to hear all about agriculture from some of UNE's leading academics!
