KazNU researchers conducted field research in the southern region of the country

Within the framework of implementation of research work under the program "Scientific and applied justification of management of natural-agricultural systems (NAG) to prevent desertification processes in the southern regions of Kazakhstan, to ensure sustainable development of rural areas", researchers of Al-Farabi KazNU conducted field studies of the state of natural-agricultural systems of agricultural and pasture use.

Participants of the field expedition: faculty members of the Department of Geography, Land Management and Cadastre, Cartography and Geoinformatics, Biodiversity and Bioresources, as well as staff of the Center for Space Technologies and Remote Sensing of the Earth (Earth Remote Sensing Center).

SDG 13, focused on combating climate change and SDG 15, aimed at preserving terrestrial ecosystems, were included in the program for monitoring the development of desertification processes at key sites.
The main objectives of the expedition included study of the current state of ASB of agricultural and pasture use, identification of the main factors contributing to desertification processes, as well as development of scientifically applied recommendations on sustainable management of the territories.

A total of 96 observation reference points were surveyed, covering natural and anthropogenic SAR complexes of agricultural and pasture use.

All planned locations were surveyed during the fieldwork period. At all survey points, soil pits were described, soil samples were collected, the natural-territorial complex (NTC) was sampled using a drone, and vegetation cover was collected. Natural and artificial (quarries) outcrops were studied and described at some observation points.

Field analysis of the leading physiographic and geomorphologic processes was carried out at the observation sites for comparison with remote sensing data. Preliminary field data were partially processed and a database was created for further desk study.
During the field stage, soil samples, video and photo materials were collected from the reference points.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University