Soil resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Current status, problems and solutions

Abstract

This chapter includes information on the current status of the soil landscape of Kazakhstan and an analysis of materials based on our own research published during the last two decades, as well as literature on land degradation, salinisation, soil contamination and land resource use. It has been found that a current tendency can be observed towards intensive land degradation and desertification, salinisation (including secondary salinisation and soil contamination by oil, petroleum products, chemicals and radioactive substances), de-humification, decreasing soil fertility and deterioration of the ecological status of soil resources. In Kazakhstan this problem is complex because of the vast territory and variety of both natural conditions and anthropogenic impacts on soil. The sustainable development of agriculture in Kazakhstan and ensuring food and environmental safety are closely related to the rational and efficient use of soil. In this regard, it is necessary to develop appropriate laws and regulations, programmes and related activities and to take measures to prevent rapid land degradation, desertification and deterioration of the environmental situation, and to start to restore soil fertility.