Studying the rate of soil formation is important for assessing soil fertility, predicting changes in soil cover, and developing soil resource management methods. This article presents a study examining the rate of soil formation in areas with varying bioclimatic conditions and soil cover in the Kashkadarya River basin, Uzbekistan. The study subjects were virgin soils in a vertical zonation from desert to high-mountain zones: gray-brown desert soil, takyr soil, typical gray soil, mountain brown soil, and light-brown meadow-steppe high-mountain soil. Due to the diversity of parent materials, changing bioclimatic and altitudinal zones, and the process of subsurface weathering, fluctuations in the content of initial parameters-crystalline lattice energy, amorphous iron, and kaolinite-were observed in the soils, leading to changes in the rate of soil formation. The sequence of increasing rates of soil formation in the studied soils is as follows: takyr soil – typical serozem – light brown meadow-steppe soil – mountain brown soil – gray-brown desert soil. In-depth study of soil-forming processes in biocenoses is necessary for developing strategies for increasing soil fertility and optimizing land use.

A comparative analysis of the agrochemical indicators of soils of various types in the Zhambyl region was carried out on virgin and cultivated lands, along with an updated assessment of the humus state using modern agrochemical analysis methods. Patterns of changes in the humus layer and agrochemical indicators depending on the intensity of agriculture and anthropogenic load were identified. It was found that plowing and irrigation lead to a decrease in soil humus content and changes in acid-alkaline and salt properties. The highest humus content is characteristic of light brown carbonate and meadow-saline virgin soils, which is due to a more favorable water regime and accumulation of organic matter. In all soil types, there is a regular decrease in humus content with depth. In arable soils, the humus profile is more even. The total nitrogen content in soils closely correlates with the humus content. The low mobility of humus compounds, characteristic of soils with a predominance of carbonate and alkaline conditions, is indicated by the water-soluble humus content in the studied soil types, which does not exceed 0.001–0.009%. The C:N ratio of 6 to 10 in most of the studied soil horizons of the Zhambyl region indicates a sufficiently high degree of organic matter decomposition and favorable conditions for its mineralization. The content of mobile phosphorus in most of the studied soils is at a low and very low level, which is characteristic of soils with an alkaline reaction and a high calcium content. The good natural supply of exchangeable potassium is indicated by the fact that in almost all soils, potassium is characterized by high values in arable horizons. The soils studied are also characterized by a high degree of base saturation, mainly with calcium and magnesium. Increased sodium content in meadow-saline and irrigated soils can lead to the development of salinity and deterioration of their agrophysical properties. The soil solution is alkaline, and its alkalinity can reduce the availability of phosphorus and micronutrients to plants in arable areas under irrigation conditions. The results obtained confirm the presence of a clear profile differentiation of the humus of soils and indicate a significant influence of both the genetic type of soil and anthropogenic impact on the content and quality of organic matter.

Studies of the soils of the city of Semey were carried out in the winter and summer periods during 2024. Gross forms defined in soil are As, Co, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, V, Sr, Sn, Mo, Ba, Ti, Cr, Ag, Li, Nb, Be, Ga, Bi, P, Sc, Y; mobile forms: Pb, Ni, Zn, Cu, Co; and petroleum product content. The content of contaminants was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. All pollutants were assessed for compliance with their regulatory indicators in the soil. The assessment of the state and degree of soil pollution is based on the values   of the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) of pollutants in soils. Calculations of indicators of total soil pollution with heavy metals were performed and risks were assessed. It was established that the degree of pollution of the soil cover of Semey is acceptable, the risk levels are from low to moderately local.

Preserving the soil quality of pasture ecosystems is a key factor in the production of high-quality forage for livestock and in ensuring food security at the national level. For effective land-use planning and sustainable management of pasture resources in Kazakhstan and other countries, the assessment of soil quality and the dynamics of changes in its properties under the impact of livestock grazing is of significant practical importance. The present study is aimed at assessing the current condition of pasture soils in Western Kazakhstan using classical field methods and laboratory analyses. The objective of the research was to evaluate the state of the soil cover depending on grazing management practices as a significant anthropogenic factor in the degradation of pasture ecosystems. The study conducted in the semi-desert zone of Western Kazakhstan at the «Mirаs» peasant farming enterprise demonstrated that rotational grazing is the most effective method for preserving soil quality compared to intensive grazing without a rest period. The physicochemical properties of the soil showed variability under grazing pressure, while optimal indicators of soil bulk density, structure, humus content, available phosphorus, and exchangeable sodium were recorded in pastures managed under regulated rotational grazing. The obtained results can be used to assess pasture soil quality, develop measures to prevent degradation, and analyze agricultural lands in regions with similar pasture ecosystem management systems.

This study evaluates the effects of organo-mineral fertilization systems combined with biological preparations on the productivity and soil microbiological indicators of Golden Delicious apple trees in southeastern Kazakhstan. Using a randomized block design, six fertili-zation variants— including organic, bioorganic, and mineral treatments - were applied to irrigated light brown soils with low organic matter content. Results demonstrated that treatments with biohumus and BioSok Energy Plus significantly increased yields (39–64%,) sugar content (0.5–1.9%), dry matter (0.8–1.5%), and fruit shelf life compared to controls. Additionally, these treat-ments enhanced the abundance of beneficial soil microorganisms, indicating improved soil biological activity and structure. The findings suggest that integrating organic and bioorganic fertilizers with mineral nutrition promotes sustainable orchard productivity by boosting soil fertility and microbiocenosis, thereby supporting long-term soil health and sustainable horticultural practices in arid regions.

Spring barley is one of the strategically important grain crops, characterized by high plasticity, early ripening and a wide range of economic applications. The area of spring barley cultivation in Kazakhstan is more than 2 million hectares. The selection and study of the effect of humic fertilizers on the growth and development of spring barley in Bogara conditions is an urgent research task. According to our field and laboratory studies, the use of humic fertilizers has a beneficial effect on the growth and development of spring barley in light gray soils with low availability of humus and mobile macronutrients. Humates activate the microbiota, stabilize soil moisture and increase nutrient absorption. In conditions of drought during the earing and grain filling period, due to a sharp increase in the average daily temperature and a decrease in soil moisture, the effectiveness of humic fertilizers decreases. Humic fertilizers can remain effective under the condition of growing drought-resistant varieties of spring barley with a short growing season (75-80 days) in combination with leaf fertilizers with humates and adapted agricultural techniques, taking into account the long-term agrometeorological forecast. 

Soil pollution resulting from the accumulation of heavy metals, pesticides, and organic pollutants is a global concern. This review article explores biochar as an effective method for soil remediation, with a particular focus on its role in the immobilization of heavy metals, reduction of pesticide toxicity, enhancement of soil fertility, and stimulation of microbial activity. The high specific surface area and porous structure of biochar make it a highly efficient biomaterial for reducing pollutant activity and improving soil quality. The review also highlights the important role of biochar in carbon sequestration and mitigating the effects of climate change, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Key aspects discussed include the application rate and depth of biochar incorporation into the soil, its impact on crop yield across different soil types, and its contribution to ecosystem improvement. Additionally, biochar enhances microbial activity, regulates nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition, improves soil structure, increases water retention capacity and cation exchange capacity (CEC), maintains soil fertility, and reduces susceptibility to erosion. Thus, the potential of biochar in sustainable agriculture and environmental management is evident, and numerous studies emphasize its significant role in improving soil quality and mitigating the impacts of soil pollution.

This article presents an overview of known and modern microbial indicators of soil quality. It focuses on predictive and informative tests of soil quality and health. Formulas for the overall assessment of soil fertility based on soil biological activity tests are provided. The indices are grouped into four categories: carbon management indices (CMI), structural and dynamic characteristics of microbial communities, enzymatic activity indices (TEI, BIF, GMea, BA12), and stoichiometric and other indicators. Prospects for digitalization of soil microbiological research are discussed, which can improve the reliability of fertility change predictions and enable the development of practice-oriented recommendations for land managers.