Assessment of Vegetation and Soil Characteristics of Calligonum leucocladum Populations in the Balkhash Region, Kazakhstan

Mussina М. Tynybekov B. Raimbekova B. Orazbayev A. Iskakova A. Osmonali B. Ilyas M. Issabayeva S. Childibayeva A. Imanaliyeva M.
December 2025 Engineered Science Publisher

ES Energy and Environment
2025 #30

This study evaluates the ecological, soil, and geobotanical characteristics of three populations of Calligonum leucocladum in the Taukum and Saryesik-Atyrau sands of the Balkhash district, including the Miyaly area. The aim was to assess habitat conditions, vegetation dynamics, and anthropogenic impacts to develop recommendations for conservation. Geobotanical surveys were conducted to determine species composition, vegetation cover, and ecological conditions, while soil analyses measured humus content, pH, texture, and trace elements. To monitor vegetation dynamics, NDVI Normalized difference vegetation ındex) analysis was applied for the period 2015–2024. The results revealed marked differences among populations. Population 1 (Taukum sands) had the lowest humus content (0–0.1%) and showed significant vegetation degradation. Population 2 (Saryesik-Atyrau sands, Bakanas) exhibited the highest humus levels (0.07–0.17%), sandy soils, and the most stable NDVI trends, indicating favorable conditions. Population 3 (Saryesik-Atyrau sands, Miyaly) had intermediate humus content (0–0.07%) but demonstrated NDVI declines similar to population 1. All sites were strongly alkaline (pH 9.29–10.22), and cadmium concentrations exceeded acceptable levels in populations 2 and 3. These findings highlight the ecological role of C. leucocladum as a keystone species for sandy desert stabilization, while also emphasizing threats from soil alkalinity, heavy metal pollution, and climate variability. Population 2 appears most suitable for conservation and restoration. The study underlines the need for continuous ecological monitoring, soil improvement, and phytoremediation to ensure the sustainability of desert ecosystems in Central Asia.

C. leucocladum , Ecology , Geobotany , Humus , PH , Sandy ecosystems , Soil characteristics , Vegetation degradation

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Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Department of Biology of the Institute of Natural Sciences, NPJSC, Kazakh Women’s Teacher Training University, 114 k1 Gogol street, Almaty, A05C9Y7, Kazakhstan
Department of General Education at the Egyptian University of Islamic Culture Nur-Mubarak, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, Timiryazev Street, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 04436, Pakistan
Institute of Biotechnology and ecology, Zhetysu University named after Ilyas Zhansugurov, 187а, Zhansugurov Street, Taldykorgan, Almaty, 040000, Kazakhstan
Faculty of geography and environmental management, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Biomedical Research Centre, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan

Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology
Department of Biology of the Institute of Natural Sciences
Department of General Education at the Egyptian University of Islamic Culture Nur-Mubarak
Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction
Department of Environmental Science
Institute of Biotechnology and ecology
Faculty of geography and environmental management
Biomedical Research Centre

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