Scientists turn to 3D imaging to improve crop yields

Scientists in Ghana are utilizing groundbreaking 3D imaging technology to gain real-time insights into soil conditions beneath the surface. This new method, known as 3D subsurface imaging, is set to revolutionize climate-smart agriculture by providing unprecedented visibility into water movement and soil health. The Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is spearheading this initiative with a $10 million grant from UK Research and Innovation.

Led by the British Geological Survey in collaboration with local universities and research institutions, the project aims to enhance understanding of how water and nutrients interact underground and how these factors influence crop growth and yields.

The technology, which employs Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), involves passing small electrical currents through the soil to create dynamic 3D images that reveal how water is stored and moves beneath the surface. This method allows for continuous monitoring of underground processes without disturbing the soil, offering a significant advancement over traditional surface-based observations.

The project, which runs from April 2026 to March 2028, will integrate data from soil sensors, weather stations, laboratory tests, crop observations, and greenhouse gas measurements. By combining these diverse data sources, researchers aim to move beyond mere confirmation of farming practices' effectiveness to understanding the underlying reasons for their success or failure. This deeper insight will be crucial for developing more resilient farming strategies capable of withstanding climate change.

Professor Maxwell Darko Asante, the Ashanti Regional Director of CSIR-CRI, highlighted that this technology represents a major shift in agricultural research, moving from reliance on isolated surface sensors to continuous, in-depth monitoring of subsurface conditions. Dr. Stephen Yeboah, the Project Leader at CSIR-CRI, emphasized the importance of translating this advanced scientific understanding into actionable recommendations for farmers.

He cited examples such as the use of cover crops like groundnuts, cowpeas, and Mucuna, which have historically been employed to improve soil fertility.

The initiative also aims to educate farmers directly, with researchers planning to demonstrate the technology's benefits in farming communities. KNUST engineers are even developing a low-cost, open-source resistivity instrument to facilitate local assembly and maintenance of the equipment, thereby strengthening Ghana's capacity for geophysical research and the broader adoption of climate-smart farming technologies across West Africa.