GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOILS OF DRY STEPPE ECO-SYSTEMS OF THE EREYMENTAU DISTRICT OF THE AKMOLA REGION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54668/2789-6323-2026-121-1-133-144Keywords:
heavy metals, dry steppe zone, Ereymentau district, soil, degradationAbstract
This study is a long-term comparative analysis of the morphological and chemical characteristics of dark chestnut solonetzic soils in the dry-steppe zone of the Ereymentau district of the Akmola region for the period 1979-2024. Based on archival soil surveys and modern laboratory data, changes in the humus content, pH, ionic composition and heavy metal concentration were estimated. The use of geostatistical mapping and GIS technologies allowed us to identify spatial patterns of soil cover transformation. The results showed a significant decrease in the organic matter content in the upper horizons, relative stability of pH in the slightly alkaline range, redistribution of exchangeable cations and vertical migration of trace elements, including Pb and Cd. Despite the fact that heavy metal concentrations remain below the established maximum permissible levels, the identified trends indicate progressive degradation and the need for systematic monitoring. Recommendations for sustainable land use, taking into account regional climatic and anthropogenic factors, are proposed.
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