Monitoring of Vegetation Degradation in various Landscapes of the Moyinkum Desert, Kazakhstan

Abstract

This study is devoted to assessing the degree of vegetation degradation in various landscapes of the Moyinkum Desert, taking into account the taxonomic diversity of flora, the structure of phytocenoses, and the agrochemical condition of soils. The aim of the work was to identify areas with signs of disturbance and to analyse the factors determining degradation processes. It was established that the flora of the region includes 773 species belonging to 366 genera and 77 families, among which Chenopodiaceae (Amaranthaceae s.l.), Asteraceae and Poaceae dominate. A significant proportion of weed species (up to 85%) in a number of communities reflects the disturbance of the natural cover. Agrochemical analysis showed heterogeneity of soils in terms of humus, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content, as well as biological activity. Plots Pm-14-01, Pm-14-02, Pm-15 and Pm-16 showed critically low levels of humus (0.07-0.20%), mobile forms of nutrients and high pH values (up to 10.4), indicating a high degree of degradation. At the same time, plots Rm-06-01 and Rm-10-01 are characterised by better soil conditions, but also by a high level of weed species, which indicates degradation of the vegetation cover. In such communities, half of the species are weeds and have no particular value for agriculture. The results highlight the need for differentiated measures to restore soil fertility and recultivate degraded land using species and technologies adapted to arid conditions.