An Insight Into The Importance Of Application Of Geophysical Methods In Agriculture For National Economic Development

Abstract

One of the keys to national development in developing countries like Nigeria is the diversification of economy. Nigeria’s economy depends majorly on crude oil. The oil sector continue to face challenges like price drop in international market, corruption, reduced quantity of production as forecasted (although new oils are been drilled). These among others makes it necessary for the country to diversify its economy. Agriculture is one of the areas Nigeria have started investing into. New methods are necessary for fast improvement in the sector among which is geophysics. The need for Agricultural Geophysics to be considered for national economic development is discussed. Geophysics as a branch of science that deal with physical processes and phenomena occurring in the earth and its vicinity is applicable to many fields that contribute to the development of the economy of any nation. Such fields include oil, Agriculture, natural resources among others. Geophysical methods applicable in Agriculture like resistivity, electromagnetic induction, and Ground penetrating radar are discussed with their applications in agriculture. The various geophysical methods that are useful in agriculture are reviewed and necessity of their application is also emphasized.