151 Creative Agriscience Fair Project Ideas for Students

Agriscience combines science and agriculture, and you will engage in real investigations and experiments to learn about how plants, animals, soil, and food systems function. That’s why farmers can produce more with less water and why there is fresh produce throughout the year in your grocery store. When you think about it, pretty cool.

Agriscience fair project ideas are aplenty in this field. It’s your chance to plant things, try things, and yes, you can get a little dirty! The best agriscience project is merely a science experiment related to agriculture, such as observing how light, water, or soil affects the growth of a plant.

Here are 151 creative ideas—some simple that you can complete in a few weeks, and others innovative and tech-oriented that can really impress the judges. Choose one that you are interested in and get it done!

What Is an Agriscience Fair Project?

So, what is an agriscience fair project? Imagine science fair but with the farming twist. You select a question regarding plants, animals, soil, water or food and conduct an experiment to determine the answer. Perhaps you’re interested in finding out whether coffee grounds can make tomatoes grow faster. This is a very real project.

These projects appear at school science fairs, 4-H and FFA competitions. Judges are not only interested in the cool result, they are interested in how you obtained it. Have you tested it impartially? Have you recorded your numbers? If so you are already in front of most. What’s great is it doesn’t require any fancy gear to get underway.

How to Choose the Right Agriscience Fair Project Ideas

With a long list of options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, so here’s how to winnow it down. To locate suitable agriscience fair project ideas that work for you, use these guidelines.

1. Start with what you like: Don’t get into a soil project if you don’t like animals. You will spend weeks on it so choose something you are interested in!

2. Check your resources: Explain the space, budget and time you have. A garden bed is excellent but a couple of cups on a windowsill will do.

3. Look at the timeline: Plants need time to grow! For a three week fair, go with something quick, such as seed germination.

4. Read the judging rules: Certain fairs require a certain format or category. Remember to inspect this early; otherwise you will have to do it again later.

5. Make sure it’s testable: It should be testable, that is, have a question and measurable numbers, such as height, weight, days to sprout, etc.

Also Read: If you enjoy tech-based projects, you might also like our guide on neural network project ideas for more advanced, data-driven inspiration.

Easy Agriscience Fair Project Ideas for Beginners

Just starting out? These simple agriscience fair project ideas require minimal supplies and minimal time; get started this weekend.

1. Does the colour of the bean seed (red, blue, white) affect how quickly the seed sprouts?
2. Does music or sound increase or decrease plant growth?
3. Is there something about compost tea that promotes better plant growth than water?
4. What effect does pH have on the growth of bean plants?
5. Do the tomato seedlings grow faster with coffee grounds added to their soil?
6. Which do you think grows better, the seeds soaked overnight or the dry seeds?
7. Does quantity of water affect radish growth?
8. Are eggshells in the soil beneficial to pepper plants?
9. What is the best soil to use for growing lettuce – sand, clay or potting mix?
10. Does Epsom Salt Make Houseplants Greener and Healthier?
11. What is the effect of temperature on the rate of seed germination?
12. Are plants in water or soil better at growing re-grown kitchen scraps (such as green onions)?
13. Does corn depth of planting affect emergence rate?
14. So – which natural fertilizer is best? – banana peelings, grass clippings, or worm castings?
15. Does size of the seed determine the size of the plant?
16. Is there a way to keep soil damp for longer in a pot using mulch?
17. What happens to the growth of plants when they are crowded together?
18. Which would make the best plant food: tap water or rain water?

Agriscience Fair Project Ideas for High School Students

Looking to take it up a notch? These high school agriscience fair project ideas require a little more organization, but they are sure to be a good addition to a display board.

19. Does hydroponic growing yield as well as soil growing for lettuce?
20. Will biofertilizers promote better growth of beans when compared to chemical fertilizer?
21. How well does neem oil work as a natural pesticide on aphids?
22. What is more drought resistant of wheat, barley, or sorghum?
23. Is the yield of tomato plants affected by biochar application?
24. What is the effect of salt in irrigation water on the germination rate of the seeds?
25. Does vermi-compost have an effect on the growth of pepper plants?
26. Does Nitrogen affect the size of spinach leaves?
27. What is the most effective cover crop to suppress weeds – clover, rye or vetch?
28. What is the difference in basil growth when using various colors of LED grow lights?
29. Are there any advantages to companion planting, such as planting marigolds near tomatoes, that will help to decrease the number of pests?
30. Is there any way that mycorrhizal fungi can enable plants to uptake more nutrients?
31. Affects root growth in carrots—what is this?
32. Does seed priming affect the germination of old seeds?
33. Which mulch has the greatest waterholding ability – straw, wood chips or plastic?
34. How does pH of irrigation water affect strawberry plant health?
35. Can sprouted barley fodder be a good feed option for chickens?
36. Is it true that “suckers” on tomatoes make them bigger and produce more?

Innovative Agriscience Fair Project Ideas Using Technology

Looking for a truly memorable gift? These are some of the cutting-edge agriscience fair project ideas that involve tech such as sensor, drone or apps—and the judges will remember them.

37. Is the use of a soil moisture sensor more water efficient than traditional irrigation?
38. What’s the accuracy of drone to detect disease conditions in plants from the air?
39. Can vertical farming produce more lettuce per sq.ft. than a traditional garden?
40. Is it possible to create an Arduino watering system that can automatically water plants to improve their health?
41. What percentage of plant diseases can be correctly diagnosed from a leaf image using a phone application?
42. Is it faster to grow vegetables with aquaponics than with regular hydroponics?
43. Could a weather station be used to forecast the best planting time?
44. What is the difference in water use between a drip irrigation system and hand watering?
45. Does a solar-powered greenhouse fan increase plant growth?
46. Is it possible to use a temperature and humidity sensor to prevent mould in a small greenhouse?
47. What is the effect of timing LED lights (12 vs 16 vs 20 hours) on the growth of microgreens?
48. Is it possible for a smart sensor to be more accurate in measuring soil nutrients than guessing?
49. Are tomatoes better produced in an automatic pH controlled hydroponic system?
50. What is the efficacy of measuring plant growth day by day with a time-lapse camera?
51. Are there the same accuracy between a low cost soil pH meter and lab test kits?
52. Does a rain sensor reduce watering that isn’t necessary?
53. What is the performance of a micro-automated greenhouse in cold climates?
54. Can fish-tank recycled water produce good herbs?

Agriculture Project Ideas for College Students

Looking for something more advanced? The following agriscience fair ideas for college students are more in-depth discussions of labs, data, and practical farming issues.

55. What is the difference between soil micro-biome diversity in organic farming and conventional farming?
56. Will corn fertilizer use efficiency benefit from precision agriculture maps?
57. What are the differences in the amount of carbon stored in soil during one growing season for various crops?
58. Will the inclusion of insect protein in poultry feeds have an impact on weight gain in poult?
59. Is there a relationship between the pre-harvest prediction of wheat yield and its determined value by remote sensing (NDVI)?
60. What are the effects of various tillage methods on soil erosion and water runoff?
61. Is there an impact on crop tolerance to heat stress from using seaweed extract?
62. Is biochar capable of lowering the leaching losses of nitrogen from sandy soils?
63. What is the efficacy of beneficial nematodes in control of soil-borne pests?
64. Does the intercropping of legumes and cereals decrease the amount of synthetic fertilizers?
65. What happens to the nutrients in leafy greens when they are stressed by water?
66. Does PGPR enhance germination of plants under saline conditions?
67. What effect would varying irrigation schedules have on potato yield and quality?
68. What is the effect of soil heavy metals on the uptake in vegetable crops?
69. Do fermented feeds benefit young pigs’ gut health and growth?
70. Is it possible to forecast the outbreak of crop disease using machine learning methods from weather information?
71. What is the cost of vertical farming as compared to the cost of field farming of leafy greens?
72. Are there benefits for two seasons of a cover crop mix in terms of soil organic matter?

Good Agriscience Fair Project Ideas by Category

Not certain what part you should go for? These are some good agriscience fair project ideas organized by category so you can start your project where you want.

Plant Science

73. Does the colour of the plant pot affect the growth rate of the roots?
74. What is the effect of day length on flowering of marigolds?
75. Is it possible to make cutting root quicker with aloe vera gel?
76. Will cutting back the flower buds cause pepper plants to become bushy?
77. Which plants grow faster from seed – sunflowers, zinnias, or cosmos?
78. What effect does the wind (from a small fan) have on the strength of a tomato seedling?
79. Does rootstock vigor affect yield of tomato?
80. Do willow water promote better rooting than simple water?
81. What is the effect of less light on the color of leaves?
82. Will cinnamon prevent mould on sprouting seeds?
83. Which method of germination, paper towel, soil or sponge, is best?
84. What is the effect of the spacing of plants on the growth of the pumpkin vine?
85. Do plants grow taller every day when people talk to or touch them?
86. Does gibberellic acid accelerate germination of old seeds?
87. What is the amount of water lost by various houseplants during one day?
88. Are seed sproutability affected by age?
89. Which of the following solutions will make a cut flower stay longer in a vase: sugar, vinegar, or bleach?

Animal Science 

90. Does the type of bedding have an effect on cleanliness and health of a rabbit?
91. Is there a difference in the size of the egg produced when feeding different types of feed to your backyard chickens?
92. Is it possible to enhance chicken health by feeding it garlic?
93. Does the colour of light in coops affect egg production?
94. Does water temperature affect the amount of water that goats drink?
95. What type of hay do rabbits like better, timothy, alfalfa or orchard grass?
96. Does music or calm sound reduce the stress in dairy cows?
97. How does protein level in feed affect growth in young quail?
98. Does Apple Cider Vinegar boost the growth of chickens?
99. Is there a correlation between pen space and hen activity/health?
100. What is the difference in the rate of learning for a new command between the following types of treats?
101. Which would provide better food for the earthworms: kitchen scraps or manure?
102. Which flower is the most pollinator friendly bee?
103. What happens to the thickness of eggshells if the calcium is provided in various forms?
104. Will growth of fish be the same in the same small tank when fed different brands of fish food?
105. Which types of bedding materials will have an impact on a rabbit hutch’s odor?

Soil and Water 

106. Which soil is the fastest water to flow through: sand, loam, or clay?
107. What are the differencies between soil temperatures for various mulches?
108. Will worms enhance the quality of a small garden soil?
109. Does the addition of compost affect the amount of water that the soil can hold?
110. What happens to the growth of the plants when they are treated with acid rain (mild vinegar water)?
111. Which home water filter will remove the most nitrates from your irrigation water?
112. How does erosion of soil change when grass is and is not present on a slope?
113. Does the organic matter affect the soil colour and fertility?
114. Do coffee grounds alter soil pH with time?
115. What is the effect of soil type on the rate of run-off?
116. Is wood ash more effective at increasing the pH of the soil than limestone?
117. What is the effect of salt water on the quality of soil after several waterings?
118. Which natural substance is most effective for filtering dirty water—charcoal, gravel or sand?
119. Which grows better, plants in rainwater or in tap water, from a roof?
120. What happens to the absorption of water in a garden path when it is compacted?

Food Science 

121. Which of the following natural treatments will make cut apples last the longest?
122. What effect does the temperature of storage have on the rate of spoilage of strawberries?
123. Does vinegar kill more bacteria when used to wash?
124. What happens to the level of vitamin C in lentils when they sprout?
125. Which of the following homemade pickling brines will cause the cucumbers to keep the largest firmness?
126. Does the ripeness of the banana affect its browning rate?
127. Are beeswax wraps as effective as plastic wrap at preserving food?
128. What happens to the colour and texture of the vegetables when they are blanched?
129. Which of the following fruits contains the highest level of vitamin C – orange, lemon or kiwi?
130. Are herbs better flavoured when dried in the sun, the oven or in the air?
131. What does the fermenting time affect the flavor and the acidity of sauerkraut?
132. Which type of milk sours the fastest at room temperature?
133. Does near by apple fruit ripen faster due to ethylene from the apple?
134. What is the difference in the amount of sugar in store-bought and home-grown carrots?
135. Can lemon juice or vitamin C tablets retard the avocado browning rate?

Agribusiness

136. Would it be profitable to grow microgreens at home, rather than purchasing seeds in bulk?
137. What is the savings potential for a family in a year from a small backyard garden?
138. Which crop is the most profitable in a small area?
139. Do the packaging style influence the number of people purchasing farm fresh eggs?
140. What is the relationship between price and quantity sold of items from a school farmers market stall?
141. Would you rather grow herbs indoors using hydroponics or purchase them at a store?
142. What impact do social media posts have on home grown produce sales?
143. If a small garden is in question how much more expensive is it to use organic fertilizer than regular fertilizer?
144. What is the start-up capital for a small scale chicken egg business?
145. What’s the highest selling item at the local farmers market?
146. Does a loyalty card boost small farm stand repeat customers?
147. What is the cost of farm to school produce compared to supermarket produce?
148. Would it be more profitable to sell plant cuttings or full-grown plants?
149. What happens to the price of pumpkins or strawberries when there is a change in seasonal demand?
150. Is it possible to profitably earn a living from a school garden?
151. Does the price people are willing to pay differ based on labeling?

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your Agriscience Fair Project

In this section, you will find how to go from a rough idea to a completed project for any of the agriscience fair project ideas listed above. Simply do one of these steps at a time.

1. Ask a clear question: Take an idea and turn it into a question that can be tested, such as “Will compost tea make bean plants grow taller or shorter than plain water?”

2. Do a little research: Read about your plant or topic for an hour or two. It assists you to make a savvy guess afterwards.

3. Write your hypothesis: This is simply what you think might happen, such as “I believe that compost tea will make the plants grow taller.”

4. Run your experiment: Make one variable change and all others constant. Make sure to have a control group to compare.

5. Record everything: Daily or every few days. Also take pictures, they will make great additions to your board.

6. Analyze your results: Create basic charts and graphs. Don’t worry if your guess was wrong, that’s still a valid result.

7. Build your display board: Make it neat, use large headings and brief text.

8. Practice your talk: You should repeat the speech a number of times out loud to make you feel comfortable in the judges’ presence.

Need extra background for your research step? The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture has reliable, free information on crops, soil, and sustainable farming. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Agriscience Fair Project Ideas

With a great agriscience fair project idea, you can still go horribly wrong by making a few simple mistakes. This is a list of the ones to keep an eye on.

Picking a vague question: “Do plants like fertilizer?” Consider a statement that can be tested for, such as: “Does fertilizer increase the height of bean plants after 14 days?”

Changing too many things at once: If any changes are made to the soil, water, and light all at once, you will not be able to determine which change was the cause. Make a change to one thing.

Skipping the control group: This means you have no control group to compare with, and your results don’t really mean much.

Bad record keeping: Scrap paper with numbers on it is a pitfall. Write all notes in one notebook and use dates.

Waiting until the last minute: Plants will not grow faster if you get them in at the last minute while you’re stressed out. Be prepared to begin at an early time and allow for additional days of surprises.

Giving up when it fails: If it doesn’t work, it’s still data. Honest results are judges’ favorites.

Final Thoughts

Here you go, 151 simple to high-tech agriscience fair project ideas — even some small business ideas. There’s something here for every middle school, high school, and college student.

Be careful not to scroll too far, however. Choose one of the topics that you want to know more about, write your question, and start writing! If it doesn’t go right, it’s okay, you will still learn a lot, which is what judges are interested in.

When you need assistance with the writing aspect, such as for your report, hypothesis, or research summary, Best Assignment Grade can help. All the best and fun with your ideas for agriscience fair projects. You may just be amazed!

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