Here are science fair project ideas related to natural farming that explore organic techniques, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly practices.
These projects promote awareness of farming without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Soil Health and Fertility Projects
- How Do Cover Crops Improve Soil Quality?
– Test the impact of planting legumes, clover, or rye on soil nutrients. - Effect of Organic Compost vs. Chemical Fertilizer on Plant Growth
– Compare crop yields using homemade compost and synthetic fertilizers. - How Do Earthworms Affect Soil Structure and Plant Growth?
– Study how earthworms improve soil aeration and nutrient cycling. - Does Mulching Reduce Soil Erosion?
– Test how different mulch types (straw, leaves, bark) prevent erosion. - Can Natural Manures Improve Soil pH?
– Use organic manure like cow dung or poultry litter to balance soil acidity. - Effect of Crop Rotation on Soil Fertility
– Grow different crops in cycles and measure changes in soil nutrients. - How Does Vermicomposting Enhance Soil Health?
– Study how worms break down waste and produce nutrient-rich compost. - Comparing Plant Growth in Organic and Conventional Farming Soil
– Use soil samples from natural and conventional farms to grow plants. - Does Biochar Improve Soil Moisture Retention?
– Test biochar’s ability to hold water in sandy or dry soils. - Effect of Organic Liquid Fertilizers (Compost Tea) on Plant Growth
– Measure plant height and yield with different natural liquid fertilizers.
Natural Pest Control Projects
- Effectiveness of Neem Oil as an Organic Pesticide
– Test neem oil against chemical pesticides on aphid-infested plants. - How Does Companion Planting Repel Pests?
– Experiment with companion plants like marigold or basil to reduce pests. - Which Natural Insect Repellents Work Best?
– Compare garlic spray, neem, and vinegar against insect infestations. - Does Intercropping Reduce Pest Attacks?
– Test how planting beans with corn affects pest populations. - How Does Diatomaceous Earth Affect Insect Populations?
– Measure the reduction in pests after applying diatomaceous earth. - Do Beneficial Insects Control Pests?
– Release ladybugs or lacewings and track their impact on pest numbers. - Can Natural Traps Help Control Flying Insects?
– Use sticky traps or vinegar bowls to catch and count flies or moths. - Does Plant Diversity Reduce Pest Infestations?
– Compare pest populations in monoculture and polyculture plots. - Testing Natural Fungicides for Disease Control
– Use baking soda, milk, and vinegar sprays to fight plant fungi. - How Does Crop Rotation Prevent Pest Build-Up?
– Study if rotating crops reduces pest populations over time.
Water Conservation in Natural Farming
- Can Drip Irrigation Save More Water than Sprinklers?
– Compare water usage and crop yield between two irrigation methods. - How Effective is Mulching in Reducing Water Use?
– Measure soil moisture under mulched vs. non-mulched plants. - Design a Rainwater Harvesting System for a Farm
– Build a model to demonstrate water collection and reuse. - Which Soil Amendment Retains Water the Longest?
– Test soil with compost, clay, and manure for moisture retention. - Does Hydrogel Increase Water Availability for Plants?
– Measure plant growth with and without hydrogel in soil. - How Does No-Till Farming Impact Water Retention?
– Compare water levels in tilled vs. no-till soil. - Testing the Effect of Organic Mulch on Soil Temperature
– Measure soil temperature under different types of organic mulch. - Does the Use of Cover Crops Reduce Water Needs?
– Study the impact of green cover crops on water conservation. - How Does Shade Cloth Affect Plant Water Needs?
– Experiment with shaded vs. unshaded plots to see water usage. - Can Greywater Be Used Safely in Farming?
– Test plant growth using greywater and regular tap water.
Seed Quality and Plant Growth Projects
- Do Heirloom Seeds Grow Better than Hybrid Seeds?
– Compare plant health and yield from both types of seeds. - How Does Seed Soaking in Organic Fertilizers Improve Germination?
– Test germination rates after soaking seeds in compost tea or cow urine. - Does Moon Phase Planting Affect Seed Germination?
– Plant seeds during different moon phases and compare results. - Testing the Effect of Biodynamic Farming Preparations
– Use biodynamic sprays and observe their effect on crop health. - How Does Seed Saving Impact Crop Yield Over Generations?
– Study the yield of plants grown from saved seeds. - Do Native Plants Grow Better without Chemical Inputs?
– Test the growth of native plants using organic farming methods. - Effect of Seed Spacing on Crop Yield
– Experiment with different spacing distances to find the optimal one. - Testing Germination Rates of Organic vs. Non-Organic Seeds
– Compare germination between certified organic and regular seeds. - How Does Soil Type Affect Seed Germination?
– Plant seeds in different soil types (clay, loam, sand) and observe growth. - Does the Age of a Seed Impact Its Germination Rate?
– Use seeds of different ages and record their germination success.
Climate Change and Sustainability Projects
How Does Organic Farming Help Reduce Carbon Emissions?
– Compare carbon emissions between organic and chemical farming.
- Can Cover Crops Sequester Carbon in Soil?
– Measure soil carbon levels before and after planting cover crops. - Effect of Natural Farming on Biodiversity
– Compare biodiversity in organic and conventional farming plots. - How Does No-Till Farming Impact Soil Microorganisms?
– Study microbial activity in tilled vs. no-till soil samples. - Does Composting Reduce Methane Emissions from Waste?
– Measure methane emissions from food waste with and without composting. - How Does Organic Farming Impact Pollinator Populations?
– Observe bee or butterfly activity in natural vs. chemical-treated farms. - Can Agroforestry Reduce the Impact of Drought?
– Plant trees with crops and measure drought resistance. - How Does Urban Farming Improve Air Quality?
– Monitor air quality near urban farms and compare with non-farm areas. - Do Organic Fertilizers Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
– Measure the emissions from soil treated with natural vs. synthetic fertilizers. - How Does Natural Farming Improve Soil Carbon Sequestration?
– Study how organic practices increase soil’s ability to store carbon.