Saline soils and identification of salt accumulation provinces in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Saline soils are widespread in the southern and central parts of Kazakhstan. In these arid areas, the annual precipitation is 100–150 mm, while the evaporation exceeds the precipitation. The soils in these areas are medium and highly saline. In the framework of this study, numerous cartographic materials pertaining to the saline soils of Kazakhstan and Central Asia have been reviewed and researched. Four soil–halo–geochemical salt accumulation provinces have been identified in Kazakhstan on the basis of generalization and analysis of the available materials. The provinces differ from each other by their genesis, composition, and salt transportation patterns. ArcMap software was used as the main tool for the analysis of the soil–halo–geochemical provinces and the production of a salt accumulation map of Kazakhstan. The research of the salt accumulation geochemistry in the soils, mineral rocks, and groundwaters, salt accumulation types, and patterns of soil migration in the biosphere are the basis for the assessment of regions with irrigation activities. Therefore, the research of the saline soils and salt accumulation processes is of high practical importance.