Long-term Soil Dynamics of Dry Steppe Ecosystems on Historically Virgin Lands of Kazakhstan
Gataulina G. Mendybaev Y. Aikenova N. Berdenov Z. Ataeva G. Saginov K. Dukenbayeva A. Beketova A. Almurzaeva S.
September 2025Engineered Science Publisher
ES Energy and Environment
2025#29
Soil monitoring is a fundamental component of sustainable land management, enabling the assessment of soil quality and the identification of degradation processes driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors. This study presents a comprehensive longitudinal analysis of soil chemical properties in the Atbasar district of the Akmola region, Kazakhstan, over a 50-year period (1974–2024). Field sampling and laboratory analyses were conducted in accordance with ISO standards. The findings reveal a 35–40% decrease in humus content in the upper soil horizons and minor shifts in soil acidity (pH) ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 units. Concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) increased by 10–15% in surface layers, indicating heightened anthropogenic influence, while the accumulation of iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg) in deeper horizons suggests vertical migration and secondary enrichment of these elements. The results underscore the need for adaptive agrotechnical strategies, sustainable land use practices, and continuous monitoring to preserve soil fertility and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Heavy metals , Humus , Maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) , Soil degradation , Soil monitoring
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Natural Sciences
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026