In the heart of Nigeria’s Ogun State, a groundbreaking study is reshaping our understanding of how land use patterns influence soil thermal properties, with significant implications for the energy sector. Led by Saheed Adekunle Ganiyu, this research, published in the African Journal of Scientific Reports (which translates to “African Scientific Reports”), delves into the intricate relationship between land use and soil thermal dynamics, offering valuable insights for sustainable land management and infrastructure development.
The study, conducted across various land use patterns—football pitches, abattoir sites, dumpsites, and cement brick-making areas—reveals that soil thermal properties vary significantly based on lithology and land management practices. In the basement complex of Odeda and the sedimentary formation of Sagamu, the research team measured soil thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, thermal admittance, and thermal resistivity. Their findings highlight the critical role of these properties in managing soil thermal regions, particularly for telecommunication and buried infrastructure.
“Our results show that the highest mean thermal conductivity values were observed in dumpsites and football pitches, with values of 1.53 and 1.98 W/mK in the basement and sedimentary formations, respectively,” explains Ganiyu. This variability in thermal conductivity is crucial for the energy sector, as it directly impacts the efficiency of geothermal systems and buried cables. The study also found that specific heat capacity and thermal admittance varied significantly across different land uses, with dumpsites and football pitches showing the highest and lowest values, respectively.
One of the most compelling findings is the variation in thermal resistivity, a critical factor for safe telecommunication signals and buried objects. The study revealed that the mean thermal resistivity values for football pitches, abattoir sites, and cement brick-making soils in the sedimentary formation, as well as for dumpsite soils in the basement complex, were within the recommended threshold of 90 °C cm/W. This finding is particularly relevant for the energy sector, as it provides a benchmark for safe and efficient infrastructure development.
The research underscores the importance of considering lithology and land management practices in soil thermal property assessments. “Our outcomes will assist land users in selecting the most suitable land management practices for sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation,” says Ganiyu. This insight is invaluable for the energy sector, as it highlights the need for tailored approaches to land use and management in different geological settings.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and sustainable development, this study offers a timely reminder of the intricate interplay between land use, soil properties, and infrastructure development. By understanding and leveraging these relationships, the energy sector can make significant strides towards more efficient and sustainable practices.
The implications of this research extend beyond Nigeria, offering valuable insights for global efforts in sustainable land management and infrastructure development. As the world continues to seek innovative solutions to the challenges of climate change and sustainable development, this study serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
In the words of Ganiyu, “This research is a stepping stone towards a deeper understanding of soil thermal properties and their implications for land use and management. It is our hope that these findings will pave the way for more informed and sustainable practices in the energy sector and beyond.”