FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF WATER BALANCE REGULATION AND SOIL EROSION PROTECTION

Zhadyra Baigazakova; Marzhan Yerzhankyzy; Oryngul Mukhametzhanova; Zhanylkhan Bukabayeva; Oral Adalkan

doi:10.37884/2-2025/48

Abstract

The article examines the impact of forest ecosystems in Eastern Kazakhstan on the regulation of water balance and protection of soils from degradation. Experimental studies have been conducted to assess the water retention capacity of soils, the level of erosion and the dynamics of humidity in various forest formations. The results show that forests play an important role in stabilizing the hydrological regime and preventing erosion processes. Remote sensing data and GIS technologies have been applied to analyze vegetation cover density, soil moisture indices, and NDVI values, which provides a comprehensive assessment of ecosystem health. The study also examines the role of tree and shrub composition in erosion resistance, highlighting the importance of mixed forest formations in increasing soil stability. The results highlight the need for sustainable forest management practices and afforestation strategies to mitigate land degradation and improve regional water conservation efforts. Analysis of precipitation infiltration and evapotranspiration rates shows that forests contribute to maintaining stable groundwater levels, reducing the risk of droughts and floods in adjacent agricultural and urban areas. The study concludes with recommendations for adaptive management strategies for forest conservation, including afforestation using native species, controlled grazing methods, and the implementation of solutions based on natural factors to enhance landscape resilience. These findings serve as the basis for the development of a comprehensive policy aimed at preserving the ecological functions of forests in Eastern Kazakhstan and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

forests water balance soil erosion soil degradation East Kazakhstan

01 Introduction

The full text of the article is available for download in PDF format on the right panel.

02 References

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7. Bradshaw C.J.A., Sodhi N.S., Peh K.S.H., Brook B.W. Global evidence that deforestation amplifies flood risk and severity in the developing world // Global Change Biology. – 2007. – Vol. 13, № 11. – P. 2379–2395. – https://www.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2007.01446.x.
8. Le Maitre D.C., Versfeld D.B., Chapman R.A. The impact of invading alien plants on surface water resources in South Africa: A preliminary assessment // Water SA. – 2000. – Vol. 26, № 3. – P. 397–408. – https://www.doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v26i3.5387.
9. Bruijnzeel L.A. Hydrological functions of tropical forests: not seeing the soil for the trees? // Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. – 2004. – Vol. 104, № 1. – P. 185–228. – https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2004.01.015.
10. Pimentel D. и др. Environmental and economic costs of soil erosion and conservation benefits // Science. – 1995. – Vol. 267, № 5201. – P. 1117–1123. – https://www.doi.org/10.1126/science.267.5201.1117.
11. Gyenge J.E. и др. Stand density and water status in Populus deltoides plantations in a semiarid region of Argentina // Journal of Arid Environments. – 2008. – Vol. 72, № 12. – P. 2141–2150. – https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2008.07.001.
12. Cerdà A. Changes in overland flow and infiltration after a rangeland fire in a Mediterranean scrubland // Hydrological Processes. – 1998. – Vol. 12, № 7. – P. 1031–1042. – http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.2684.0160.
13. Wang L. и др. Biogeochemistry of Kalahari sands // Journal of Arid Environments. – 2007. – Vol. 71, № 3. – P. 259–279. – https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.03.009.
14. Zhang L., Dawes W.R., Walker G.R. Response of mean annual evapotranspiration to vegetation changes at catchment scale // Water Resources Research. – 2001. – Vol. 37, № 3. – P. 701–708. – https://www.doi.org/10.1029/2000WR900325.
15. Andréassian V. Waters and forests: from historical controversy to scientific debate // Journal of Hydrology. – 2004. – Vol. 291, № 1–2. – P. 1–27. – DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2003.12.015.
16. Calder I.R. Forests and water – Ensuring forest benefits outweigh water costs // Forest Ecology and Management. – 2007. – Vol. 251, № 1–2. – P. 110–120. – https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2007.06.015.
17. Farley K.A., Jobbágy E.G., Jackson R.B. Effects of afforestation on water yield: a global synthesis with implications for policy // Global Change Biology. – 2005. – Vol. 11, № 10. – P. 1565–1576. – https://www.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2005.01011.x.
18. Neary D.G., Ice G.G., Jackson C.R. Linking forest watershed management and riparian buffers to aquatic ecosystem protection in the western USA // Forest Ecology and Management. – 2009. – Vol. 258, № 10. – P. 1647–1657. – https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2009.03.021.
19. Танекеева Ш., Мамбетов Б., Жубанышева А., Жорабекова Ж. Проектирование работ по обследованию и обновлению древесных кустарников, произрастающих в роще Баума // Izdenister Natigeler. – 2022. – № 1 (93). – С. 37–45. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.37884/1-2022/05.
20. Stednick J.D. Monitoring the effects of timber harvest on annual water yield // Journal of Hydrology. – 1996. – Vol. 176, № 1–4. – P. 79–95. – https://www.doi.org/10.1016/0022-1694(95)02780-7.

Citation Links

[1]2025. FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF WATER BALANCE REGULATION AND SOIL EROSION PROTECTION. Izdenister natigeler. 2 (106) (Jun. 2025), 480–491. DOI:https://doi.org/10.37884/2-2025/48.

(1)FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF WATER BALANCE REGULATION AND SOIL EROSION PROTECTION. Izdenister natigeler 2025, No. 2 (106), 480-491. https://doi.org/10.37884/2-2025/48.

FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF WATER BALANCE REGULATION AND SOIL EROSION PROTECTION. (2025). Izdenister Natigeler, 2 (106), 480-491. https://doi.org/10.37884/2-2025/48

FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF WATER BALANCE REGULATION AND SOIL EROSION PROTECTION. Izdenister natigeler, [S. l.], n. 2 (106), p. 480–491, 2025. DOI: 10.37884/2-2025/48. Disponível em: https://agrosoil.kaznaru.edu.kz/index.php/research/article/view/942. Acesso em: 15 sep. 2026.

“FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF WATER BALANCE REGULATION AND SOIL EROSION PROTECTION”. 2025. Izdenister Natigeler, no. 2 (106) (June): 480-91. https://doi.org/10.37884/2-2025/48.

“FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF WATER BALANCE REGULATION AND SOIL EROSION PROTECTION” (2025) Izdenister natigeler, (2 (106), pp. 480–491. doi:10.37884/2-2025/48.

[1]“FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF WATER BALANCE REGULATION AND SOIL EROSION PROTECTION”, Izdenister natigeler, no. 2 (106), pp. 480–491, Jun. 2025, doi: 10.37884/2-2025/48.

“FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF WATER BALANCE REGULATION AND SOIL EROSION PROTECTION”. Izdenister Natigeler, no. 2 (106), June 2025, pp. 480-91, https://doi.org/10.37884/2-2025/48.

“FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF WATER BALANCE REGULATION AND SOIL EROSION PROTECTION”. Izdenister natigeler, no. 2 (106) (June 30, 2025): 480–491. Accessed September 15, 2026. https://agrosoil.kaznaru.edu.kz/index.php/research/article/view/942.

1.FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF WATER BALANCE REGULATION AND SOIL EROSION PROTECTION. Izdenister natigeler [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 30 [cited 2026 Sep. 15];(2 (106):480-91. Available from: https://agrosoil.kaznaru.edu.kz/index.php/research/article/view/942

1.FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF WATER BALANCE REGULATION AND SOIL EROSION PROTECTION. Izdenister natigeler. 2025;(2 (106):480-491. doi:10.37884/2-2025/48

[1] 1. Савенкова И., Шахметова Г., Новикова А., Курмангалиев М. Современное состояние лесных полос Северного Казахстана // Izdenister Natigeler. – 2023. – № 3 (99). – С. 248–258. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.37884/3-2023/26.

[2] 2. Bonan G.B. Forests and Climate Change: Forcings, Feedbacks, and the Climate Benefits of Forests // Science. – 2008. – Vol. 320, № 5882. – P. 1444–1449. – https://www.doi.org/10.1126/science.1155121.

[3] 3. Мудетбек А., Мырзабаева Г., Абаева К., Токтасынова Ф., Шыныбеков М. Особенности использования и внедрение высокоточных GPS-устройств в лесном хозяйстве // Izdenister Natigeler. – 2022. – № 4 (96). – С. 73–88. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2022/09.

[4] 4. Мудетбек А., Мырзабаева Г., Абаева К., Шыныбеков М., Орайханова А. Обработка и обновление информации лесоустройства // Izdenister Natigeler. – 2023. – № 1 (97). – С. 99–109. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.37884/1-2023/12.

[5] 5. Ellison D., Futter M.N., Bishop K. On the forest cover–water yield debate: from demand- to supply-side thinking // Global Change Biology. – 2012. – Vol. 18, № 3. – P. 806–820. – https://www.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2011.02589.x.

[6] 6. Жилкибаева Э., Токтасынов А., Токтасынова Ф. Формирование устойчивых лесных ландшафтов в Иле-Алатауском государственном национальном природном парке // Izdenister Natigeler. – 2022. – № 1 (93). – С. 29–37. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.37884/1-2022/04.

[7] 7. Bradshaw C.J.A., Sodhi N.S., Peh K.S.H., Brook B.W. Global evidence that deforestation amplifies flood risk and severity in the developing world // Global Change Biology. – 2007. – Vol. 13, № 11. – P. 2379–2395. – https://www.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2007.01446.x.

[8] 8. Le Maitre D.C., Versfeld D.B., Chapman R.A. The impact of invading alien plants on surface water resources in South Africa: A preliminary assessment // Water SA. – 2000. – Vol. 26, № 3. – P. 397–408. – https://www.doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v26i3.5387.

[9] 9. Bruijnzeel L.A. Hydrological functions of tropical forests: not seeing the soil for the trees? // Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. – 2004. – Vol. 104, № 1. – P. 185–228. – https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2004.01.015.

[10] 10. Pimentel D. и др. Environmental and economic costs of soil erosion and conservation benefits // Science. – 1995. – Vol. 267, № 5201. – P. 1117–1123. – https://www.doi.org/10.1126/science.267.5201.1117.

[11] 11. Gyenge J.E. и др. Stand density and water status in Populus deltoides plantations in a semiarid region of Argentina // Journal of Arid Environments. – 2008. – Vol. 72, № 12. – P. 2141–2150. – https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2008.07.001.

[12] 12. Cerdà A. Changes in overland flow and infiltration after a rangeland fire in a Mediterranean scrubland // Hydrological Processes. – 1998. – Vol. 12, № 7. – P. 1031–1042. – http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.2684.0160.

[13] 13. Wang L. и др. Biogeochemistry of Kalahari sands // Journal of Arid Environments. – 2007. – Vol. 71, № 3. – P. 259–279. – https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.03.009.

[14] 14. Zhang L., Dawes W.R., Walker G.R. Response of mean annual evapotranspiration to vegetation changes at catchment scale // Water Resources Research. – 2001. – Vol. 37, № 3. – P. 701–708. – https://www.doi.org/10.1029/2000WR900325.

[15] 15. Andréassian V. Waters and forests: from historical controversy to scientific debate // Journal of Hydrology. – 2004. – Vol. 291, № 1–2. – P. 1–27. – DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2003.12.015.

[16] 16. Calder I.R. Forests and water – Ensuring forest benefits outweigh water costs // Forest Ecology and Management. – 2007. – Vol. 251, № 1–2. – P. 110–120. – https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2007.06.015.

[17] 17. Farley K.A., Jobbágy E.G., Jackson R.B. Effects of afforestation on water yield: a global synthesis with implications for policy // Global Change Biology. – 2005. – Vol. 11, № 10. – P. 1565–1576. – https://www.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2005.01011.x.

[18] 18. Neary D.G., Ice G.G., Jackson C.R. Linking forest watershed management and riparian buffers to aquatic ecosystem protection in the western USA // Forest Ecology and Management. – 2009. – Vol. 258, № 10. – P. 1647–1657. – https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2009.03.021.

[19] 19. Танекеева Ш., Мамбетов Б., Жубанышева А., Жорабекова Ж. Проектирование работ по обследованию и обновлению древесных кустарников, произрастающих в роще Баума // Izdenister Natigeler. – 2022. – № 1 (93). – С. 37–45. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.37884/1-2022/05.

[20] 20. Stednick J.D. Monitoring the effects of timber harvest on annual water yield // Journal of Hydrology. – 1996. – Vol. 176, № 1–4. – P. 79–95. – https://www.doi.org/10.1016/0022-1694(95)02780-7.