The really important question was skipped. Perchlorates prevent edible crops from being grown on Mars. The narrator said there are ways of removing them, but the question is, how complicated and difficult are they?,(reply>), @friendstastegood Hydroponics doesn't rely on soil.,(reply>), @friendstastegood I think you misunderstood me,(reply>), @Doctor Purple because soil is heavy and we want to bring as few and light things as possible due to cost and difficulty in transport.,(reply>), @Doctor Purple You could distill the water after washing the soil, leaving solid perchlotates behind,(reply>), @Doctor Purple Great question! Honestly I have no preference, especially considering I'm just recalling this info from a script I wrote a good few months ago now! But that being said, if the bacteria create a byproduct that could be useful for the growth of crops I reckon that could be a really interesting way to go; kill 2 birds with 1 stone!