Soil morphological and physico-chemical characteristics of Zygophyllum fabago L. populations in the Ili-Balkhash Region of Kazakhstan

Authors

  • Asem Mamurova Department of Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty Biology and Biotechnology, al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • Gulzat Kairanova Department of Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty Biology and Biotechnology, al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • Yelena Zaparina Department of Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty Biology and Biotechnology, al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • Aitzhan Mengtay Department of Fundamental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Healthcare, al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • Aliya Kudaibergenova Department of Fundamental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Healthcare, al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • Aigul Yedilova Department of Fundamental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Healthcare, al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • Orynbasar Tleuberlina Educational Program “Ecology”, NARXOZ University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • Shynar Tustubayeva Laboratory “NatureLab”, Astana International University, Astana, Kazakhstan
  • Bedel Kaliyev Laboratory of Geobotany, Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, Almaty, Kazakhstan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2281-4485/22033

Keywords:

Zygophyllum fabago L. , soil morphology, granulometric composition, heavy metals, salinity, Kazakhstan

Abstract

The present study investigates the morphological, physical, and chemical properties of soils in natural habitats of Zygophyllum fabago L. across three ecologically distinct populations in the Ile-Balkhash region of Kazakhstan. Soil samples were collected in August–September 2024 near Topar, Bakanas, and Miyaly villages, representing desert sandy and alluvial environments. Standard field profile descriptions and laboratory analyses were conducted following national GOST and classical pedological methods. Soils in all sites were characterized as weakly humus sandy or loamy sands with alkaline pH levels (8.4–8.9) and low organic carbon content (0.24–1.08%). Granulometric composition varied from sandy (Pop. 1) to loamy sand (Pop. 2 and 3), with moisture contents ranging from 3.9% to 7.6%. Mobile nutrients were present in low to moderate quantities, with potassium being relatively higher in Pop. 3. Heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb) were within permissible limits across all sites; however, cadmium (Cd) exceeded thresholds in total forms in Populations 2 and 3. Salt analysis revealed non-saline to moderately saline conditions, with increased salinity in surface horizons of Population 3. The results provide important baseline data for understanding the ecological amplitude of Z.fabago and assessing soil-plant interactions in arid ecosystems of Central Asia.

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Published

2025-07-30

How to Cite

Mamurova, A., Kairanova, G., Zaparina, Y., Mengtay, A., Kudaibergenova, A., Yedilova, A., … Kaliyev, B. (2025). Soil morphological and physico-chemical characteristics of Zygophyllum fabago L. populations in the Ili-Balkhash Region of Kazakhstan. EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality, 70, 106–115. https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2281-4485/22033

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Vol. 70 (2025)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Asem Mamurova, Gulzat Kairanova, Yelena Zaparina, Aitzhan Mengtay, Aliya Kudaibergenova, Aigul Yedilova, Orynbasar Tleuberlina, Shynar Tustubayeva, Bedel Kaliyev

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