Growing crops in orbital colonies

CELSS is a good think.

But, in space, let's keep it open - not closed. Let's cart in the
material we need from wherever we can get it, most likely asteroids
and dormant comets. Let's harvest that Oxygen and Nitrogen. Let's
stockpile and have MORE than enough. Let's not allow shortages
nomatter what. Shortages are no-no's.

Food?

In space, we can build what's needed to feed a hundred earths.

Nay, 10,000 earths.

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, vijay kumar wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> i would like to know if it is possible to grow all the crops that we
grow on earth in orbital colonies on a scale that is needed to support
billions of people in the future in space habitats. i remember
biosphere experiment proved a disaster and has there been any more
such experiments.
>
> is it possible to convert the lunar soil and asteroid rocks into
fertile soil to grow the crops does the technology exist already? and
also is there really any water in moon and near earth asteroids to use
for growing crops, drinking water needs and industrial uses. if there
is no sufficent water. what is the plan B? . should we manufacture the
water or extract it from earth somehow?