Analysis of the Afforestation Status in the Arid Conditions of Western Kazakhstan

Abstract

The current status of the forest fund is discussed. The agroforestry melioration potential of the Western Kazakhstan region is assessed. The modern silviculture stage on the area studied is described. Biodiversity depletion is noted, and possibilities for conservation of the existing natural and artificial protective plantings in the extreme conditions of Western Kazakhstan are assessed. Floodplain forests, chopping sand massifs and estuary-type depressions, and gully and ravine forests are considered as key botanical and landscape territories of the surveyed area. Three key areas, namely, the experimental planting at the Janybek Research Station, aspen on Bolshaya Ichka Mountain, and the Pershinskiy forest are characterized. The necessity of applying new agroforestry land use and practice is justified.