Applying Near-Surface Geophysics to Agricultural Challenges

“It’s not only about discovering resources, but about safeguarding them and safeguarding our future. When you understand the subsurface, you understand the foundation of food security, water security, and environmental stability.” Ahmed Elshenawy, SEG’s 2026 Middle East and Africa Honorary Lecturer, explores how geophysics can help solve some of today’s biggest challenges in agriculture and environmental management. In this conversation, he explains how imaging the shallow subsurface can reveal hidden patterns of soil moisture, salinity, and groundwater movement that shape farming success. His work shows how understanding what lies beneath our feet may be key to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and the future of food and water security. Learn more about Ahmed's lecture and register for his 12 March webinar - https://seg.org/education/lectures/seg-honorary-lecture-ahmed-elshenawy/ KEY TAKEAWAYS > Geophysical tools can map soil moisture, salinity, and subsurface conditions that directly affect agriculture and water management. > The same methods used in energy and mineral exploration can support sustainability, land restoration, and climate adaptation. > Students who combine geophysics with hydrology, soil science, and data science will find growing career opportunities in environmental and agricultural applications. GUEST BIO Since 2000, Ahmed has been involved as a research team member of several national, international, and private projects regarding the application of geophysical methods for groundwater exploration, water management, aquifer characterization, desertification process monitoring, sustainable development, engineering, geotechnical and environmental problems. He’s conducted intensive data acquisition, processing, modeling, and interpretation of geoelectric and electromagnetic (VES, 2D/3D ERT, SP, IP/SIP, VLF, TDEM, and MT), geomagnetic and seismic refraction measurements as well as petrophysical measurements on both field and laboratory scale in Egypt, UK, and USA. Currently Ahmed is CEO of the Egyptian team of the project: Sustainable Approaches to Water and Soil Management for Drylands in the Mediterranean Basin (SALM-MED) funded by the European Union’s Programme for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA). ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.