Soil morphological and chemical characteristics in the habitats of the rare, endemic plant Spiraeanthus schrenkianus in Karatau Mountains, KazakhstanAbstract
The article presents the results of the study of ecological characteristics of soils of three populations on the territory of Karatau. The populations were located in different geographical points with differences in soil types, depth of horizons and content of chemical elements. The study evaluated the main soil parameters including humus content, pH, CO2, macro- and microelements, and salinity level. It was found that population-1 (mountain gray-brown soils) was characterized by the highest content of humus and mobile nitrogen, indicating better availability of nutrients to plants. population-2 (mountain southern serozems) has higher potassium content, which is favourable for plant growth. population-3 (mountain gray-brown soils) showed the lowest content of mobile phosphorus and copper compared to other populations. Analysis of heavy metal concentrations showed that zinc exceeded the maximum permissible concentration only in population-2. At the same time, soil salinization at all three sites remains at a low level and does not pose a threat to the ecosystem. These findings are ecologically significant as they reveal the critical role of soil fertility and contamination in supporting the distribution and survival of the rare endemic species Spiraeanthus schrenkianus. These results provide new information for assessing the fertility and sustainability of land resources.
Keywords:
soil; humus; soil texture; heavy metals; salinization
Resumo
O artigo apresenta os resultados do estudo das características ecológicas dos solos de três populações no território de Karatau. As populações estavam localizadas em diferentes pontos geográficos, com variações nos tipos de solo, profundidade dos horizontes e teores de elementos químicos. O estudo avaliou os principais parâmetros do solo, incluindo teor de húmus, pH, CO2, macro e microelementos e nível de salinidade. Constatou-se que a população 1 (solos marrom-acinzentados de montanha) foi caracterizada pelo maior teor de húmus e nitrogênio móvel, indicando melhor disponibilidade de nutrientes para as plantas. A população 2 (serozemas do sul da montanha) apresentou maior teor de potássio, elemento favorável ao crescimento vegetal. A população 3 (solos marrom-acinzentados de montanha) apresentou o menor teor de fósforo e cobre móvel, em comparação com outras populações. A análise das concentrações de metais pesados mostrou que o zinco excedeu a concentração máxima permitida apenas na população 2. Ao mesmo tempo, a salinização do solo nos três locais permanece num nível baixo e não representa ameaça para o ecossistema. Estas descobertas são ecologicamente significativas, pois revelam o papel crucial da fertilidade e contaminação do solo no apoio à distribuição e sobrevivência da rara espécie endêmica Spiraeanthus schrenkianus. Estes resultados fornecem novas informações para avaliar a fertilidade e a sustentabilidade dos recursos terrestres.
Palavras-chave:
solo; húmus; textura do solo; metais pesados; salinização
1. Introduction
The Karatau mountains are a linear mountain range, part of the Tien Shan system. It is about 420 kilometres long and varies in width from 20 to 60 kilometres (Rahimova et al., 2016; Tastanbekova et al., 2025).
The Karatau mountains, as part of the Tien Shan mountain system, are characterized by a complex geomorphological structure including ridges, gorges, valleys and plateaus, which creates a variety of ecological niches. The complex interaction of soil composition, climatic conditions and vegetation in this region makes it a particularly important object of scientific study (Kenesbay et al., 2024).
The soil cover of Karatau is characterized by complexity and mosaic, which is due to significant differences in altitude, slope exposure and hydrological regime. Brown mountain-steppe soils prevail on the slopes, which are formed under conditions of limited moisture and sparse vegetation. Carbonate-rich sierozem soils are found in the foothills, while low-humus soils are formed in higher altitude zones. The soils of the region are prone to erosion processes, especially in the open areas of slopes, which is intensified by wind and seasonal rains. In lower parts of Karatau, especially in river valleys such as Bayaldyr and Kantagi, meadow soils are found. These soils are formed under conditions of temporary water bodies and relatively higher precipitation (Amirov et al., 2023; Pachikin et al., 2022a).
Pachikin et al. (2022b) identified key soil types in the region, including serozem, brown soils and mountain-steppe soils. The author pointed out their low resistance to erosion and emphasised the need for measures to protect the soil cover.
The process of soil formation in Karatau depends on many factors, including climatic conditions, terrain, vegetation and geological features. The soil-forming rocks of the region are predominantly loess-like loams and eluvio-deluvial sediments, which explains the predominance of sierozem and chestnut soils. The terraces and steep slopes of Karatau contribute to increased weathering and erosion, which prevents the formation of fertile soils (Pachikin et al., 2014; Balkybek et al., 2025).
The climatic conditions of Karatau are characterized by sharp continentality and significant fluctuations in temperature and precipitation (Madimarovat et al., 2024; Kaptyonkina et al., 2023).
Declining snow cover and rising temperatures threaten the conservation of endemic species (Terekhov et al., 2021).
Precipitation decreases from west to east and increases with altitude. Average annual precipitation varies from 200 mm in the lowlands to 500 mm in the highlands (Vishnevskaya et al., 2018). However, uneven distribution of precipitation (the main peak occurs in spring) complicates conditions for vegetation development (Ivashchenko, 2021).
Wind activity is significant, especially on open plateaus. High evaporation aggravates moisture deficit, which is an important factor in the formation of vegetation cover (Kaimuldinova et al., 2024).
The flora of Karatau has more than 1500 species, including 150 endemics such as Tulipa greigii, Iris alberti and Ferula karatavica (Kenesbay et al., 2021).
Steppe and xerophytic communities, which dominate in lowland areas, are important (Kulymbet et al., 2023).
Lowland and foothill zones are occupied by wormwood-grass steppes and xerophytic shrubs resistant to arid conditions. With increasing altitude, the vegetation changes to mountain-meadow communities (Tynybekov et al., 2024).
Ivashchenko (2020) noted that the unique Karatau tulips (Tulipa greigii, Tulipa kaufmanniana) suffer from destruction of their habitat due to agricultural activities. Karatau is also an important centre of medicinal and melliferous plants, which is of economic importance for the region.
In Kazakhstan, the plant Spiraeanthus schrenkianus Fisch. & C.A. Mey. is a rare and endangered monotypic species. An endemic plant belonging to the Rosaceae family can reach a height of 2-3 m. The roots go deep into the soil, the leaves are thin, with serrated edges, and the flowers are bisexual. Propagated by seeds. It belongs to the order of decorative plants. S.schrenkianus is found in foothills, rocky soils, desert areas (Pavlov, 1961).
Karatau's ecosystems are influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Key natural threats include soil erosion, declining water supplies, and climate change resulting in increased droughts. The Karatau mountains are an important model area for studying plant adaptation to extreme conditions. Their unique ecosystem requires further research to assess climate change and develop biodiversity conservation measures (Kakabayev et al., 2024; Puskas et al., 2024).
On the territory of Kazakhstan scientists have studied methods of conservation of rare and endangered plant species (Aldassugurova et al., 2014), their morpho-anatomical (Nurmahanova et al., 2023a, 2024) structure, as well as features of soil structure (Nurmahanova et al., 2023b) of their distribution area.
The survival and spatial distribution of Spiraeanthus schrenkianus are strongly influenced by edaphic factors, particularly soil texture, nutrient availability, and moisture retention capacity. As a deep-rooted shrub adapted to arid and semi-arid rocky slopes, S. schrenkianus requires soils with sufficient structural stability and nutrient accessibility to support its growth in challenging xerophytic environments. Studies on other rare endemics in the Karatau and Western Tien Shan regions have shown that species persistence is closely tied to microhabitats with favorable soil chemistry and minimal anthropogenic disturbance. However, detailed assessments of the species-soil relationship for S. schrenkianus have not yet been performed. Therefore, understanding the variation in soil properties across its populations is essential for identifying critical habitat features, assessing potential threats, and informing conservation strategies.
The aim of the research was to study the natural features of the region, including its soil condition, physical and chemical properties of soils. The work included field studies, collection of soil samples, and analyses of the collected data in laboratory conditions.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study area
The research work was conducted in March-April 2024 on the territory of South Kazakhstan, within the Karatau range (42°49’51” N 70°45’10” E).
The object of the study were the soils of Zhartytobe rural district (Population 1 (P1)), Turlan pass (Population 2) and Ashchysai river valley (Population 3), which are part of the Karatau mountain (Figure 1).
Map of the four studied populations of S. schrenkianus, Zhartytobe rural district (P1), Aschysai pass (P2), Kokkiyasai river valley (P3).
The average annual temperature in the Karatau ranges varies considerably depending on the altitude of the terrain: in the foothills it ranges from +10 to +12 °C, while in the highlands it drops to +4 °C. Summers are characterised by hot weather with highs up to +35 °C, which contributes to high evaporation. Winters are cold, with minimum temperatures reaching -20 °C (Nigmatova, 2020).
2.2. Field survey and laboratory methods
Field work according to standard methods included study of natural conditions, description of soil profiles and sampling for laboratory analysis (Rozanov, 2004; Korsunov et al., 2002).
Soil samples for laboratory analysis were collected from distinct depth intervals corresponding to identified soil horizons. At each depth interval, samples were systematically collected and combined into composite samples. Each composite sample was then analyzed in four laboratory replicates to ensure reliability and accuracy of the results.
2.2.1. Laboratory methods
In total, 9 soil profiles were laid in the areas where populations were found. For chemical soil analysis, 30 samples were collected, each analyzed in four replicates.
Soil humus content was determined by Tyurin method (Ivanov et al., 2017). Total nitrogen was analysed by titration (Keldal method) (Arinushkina, 1977). Total phosphorus and potassium were measured using a spectrophotometer (Specord 210 Plus, Germany). Soil pH was determined using a pH-meter (I-160MI, 2007, Russia). CO2 content - using a calcimeter. Granulometric composition was determined by Kachinsky method. Total salt content in soil was analysed using a flame photometer (Flapho4, Germany). The concentrations of mobile forms of trace elements, including zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) - model AAnalyst 400 (PerkinElmer, USA). Prior to analysis, soil samples were air-dried, sieved through a 1 mm mesh, and subjected to extraction with 1 M HCl to assess the bioavailable fraction of metals. Calibration of the instrument was performed using certified standard solutions, and quality control was ensured by analyzing blanks and duplicates.
3. Results
3.1. Morphological description of soils
P1. Karatau, Zhartytobe rural district. Coordinates: 43°34’09.10”N 69°05’57.9”E. Altitude above sea level: 758 m (Table 1).
Shrubby-cereal-motley grass plant communities are found. The projective coverage is 85%. The plant community consists of 3 tiers.
The first tier is covered with bushy plants, the height is 70-160 сm.: Spiraeanthus schrenkianus Fisch. & C.A. Mey. (70-160 сm), Spiraea hypericifolia L. (70-90 сm), Astragalus arbuscula Pall. (70-80 сm).
The second tier is a variety of herbaceous plants (Ziziphora bungeana Juz. (30-35 сm), Ephedra intermedia Schrenk & C.A. Mey.(35-45 сm) and Agropyron pеctiniforme Roem. et Schult. 30-45 сm.
Vegetation cover, where the third tier is found between 15-30 cm Festuca sulcata Hack.
P2. Karatau, Aschysai pass. Coordinates: 43°33'19.22‘N 68°55'54.40’E. Altitude: 927 m (Table 2).
Shrubby - wormwood - ephemeral communities are identified in the vegetation cover. The projective coverage is 75%. The plant communities are made up of 2 tiers. The first tier is a Spiraeanthus schrenkianus Fisch. & C.A. Mey. (80-120 сm). The second tier is Artemisia sublessingiana Krasch. ex Poljakov. (25-30 сm) and Taeniatherum crinitum (Schreb.) Nevski. (25-30 сm).
P3. Karatau, Kokkiyasai river valley. Coordinates: 43°27'36.08‘N 68°49'46.03’E. Altitude above sea level 549 m (Table 3).
Shrubby – ephemeral -wormwood communities have been identified in the vegetation cover. The projective coverage of plants is 65%. The plant community consists of 2 tiers. In the first tier there are shrubs, the height is 70-170 cm.: Spiraeanthus schrenkianus Fisch. & C.A. Mey. (70-170 сm). The second tier is occupied by ephemera and wormwood.
3.2. Soil chemistry
In all three populations, the CO2 content increases with depth, which reflects the accumulation of carbonate compounds in the lower horizons and the ongoing mineralization of organic matter—a common pattern in soils formed under arid conditions.
In mountain gray-brown soils (P1) at 0-100 cm the humus content is low to very low, in the range of 2.97-1.03%, which indicates the weak ability of soil to accumulate humus; reaction of soil medium is slightly alkaline, pH values vary from 7.52 to 7.87, which is typical for soils formed in conditions of insufficient moisture, where alkaline ions predominate; CO2 content in soil is in the range of 1.32-6.59%, and there is a regularity of its increase with depth.
In mountain southern serozems (P2) at 0-100 cm, humus was within 0.66-2.82%; pH varied from 7.67 to 7.95, the pH level indicates a slightly alkaline environment. Alkalinity increases with depth, which is typical for serozems due to the leaching of acidic components from the upper horizons and the accumulation of carbonates in the lower layers; the CO2 content was within 2.73-7.84%, CO2 increases down the profile, since carbonates accumulate in deeper horizons, especially in areas with low precipitation.
In mountain gray-brown soils (P3) at 0-100 cm the humus content is very low, in the range of 0.60-1.21%; pH of soil medium is slightly alkaline - 7.89-7.93; CO2 content in the range of 2.87-7.48% (Figure 2).
Humus (a), CO2 (b), and soil pH values (c) across the soil profiles of the three studied populations (P1 – mountain gray-brown soils, P2 – mountain southern serozems, P3 – mountain gray-brown soils).
The content of total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil may vary depending on the type of soil, climatic conditions, and pollution level (Glazovskaya, 2012). In mountain gray-brown soils (P1), mobile nitrogen varies from 33.6 to 80.5 mg/kg, which indicates a significant variability in this indicator. In mountain southern serozems (P2), more stable values are observed: nitrogen - 19.6-28.0 mg/kg, phosphorus – 16-56 mg/kg and potassium - 150-260 mg/kg. In mountain gray-brown soils (P3), the level of mobile nitrogen is 19.6-38.5 mg/kg, mobile phosphorus - 6-16 mg/kg, and potassium - 230-280 mg/kg. These differences in the content of mobile elements reflect variations in the fertility and chemical composition of soils depending on their type and formation conditions.
P1 demonstrates the maximum content of mobile nitrogen, which indicates its higher availability to plants in the surface layers of the soil. It should be noted here that in the course of the study, the density and diversity of plants in the vegetation cover prevailed over other populations, that is, more than 30 plant species were found on an area of 10x10 M2. Including Spiraeanthus schrenkianus Fisch. & C.A. Mey., Spiraea hypericifolia L., Agropyron pectiniforme Roem. et Schult., Festuca sulcata Hack., Achillea micrantha Willd., Galium verum L., Ziziphora bungeana Juz., Salvia deserta Schangin, Ephedra intermedia Schrenk & C.A. Mey., Taeniatherum crinitum (Schreb.) Desf., Alyssum desertorum Stapf., Hulthemia persica Bornm., Gypsophila paniculata L. the species composition is determined.
P2 and P3 the nitrogen content is low, which negatively affect plant growth and development. In the study, the number and density of species in the vegetation cover, which creates a comparable community, was low. Because dominance in the area Spiraeanthus schrenkianus Fisch& C.A. Mey., Taeniatherum crinitum (Schreb.) Desf., Alyssum desertorum Stapf., Artemisia spp. plants.
P1 has the most stable phosphorus content, with a range of 20 to 48 mg/kg. P3 has a much lower phosphorus content, indicating a deficiency of this element in the soil or its lower mobility.
P3 and P2 contained high amounts of potassium, which is beneficial for plants as potassium is important for plant growth and resistance to external stresses. P1, despite its lower potassium content, still has sufficient reserves for vegetation.
All populations show a decrease in nutrient element content with depth, which is typical of most soils where the upper horizons are more nutrient-rich. This may also indicate leaching of elements or their limited supply to the lower horizons. In this regard, the flora diversity of the vegetation cover may decrease.
3.2.1. Soil texture
P1 (mountain gray-brown soils), the particle size distribution of the soil profile is dominated by the fine sand fraction (0.05-0.25 mm), which makes up 56.57%. Next comes the coarse dust fraction, its content is 21.02%. The descending order of particle size fractions in the soil profile (%): fine sand - 56.57 ˂ coarse dust - 21.02 ˂ medium dust - 9.04 ˂ fine dust - 6.10 ˂ silt - 5.08 ˂ medium sand - 2.19. According to the particle size distribution, the soil belongs to light loams.
P2 (mountain southern serozems): The soil profile is dominated by the fine sand fraction (0.05-0.25 mm), comprising 59.59%. Next in descending order are: coarse dust - 17.26%, medium dust - 6.34%, medium sand - 6.30%, fine sand - 6.20%, and silt - 4.31%. This mechanical composition allows us to classify the soil as sandy loam.
Population 3 (mountain gray-brown soils): The main share is fine sand (0.05-0.25 mm) - 44.05%, followed by coarse dust with a content of 35.25%. The order of decreasing fractions is as follows: fine sand - 44.05%, coarse dust - 35.25%, fine dust - 7.56%, silt - 5.00%, medium dust - 4.99% and medium sand - 3.15%. According to the mechanical composition, this soil is also classified as sandy loam (Figure 3).
Soil mechanical composition of all populations, %. MGB = mountain gray-brown; MSG = mountain southern serozems.
All three populations have a significant content of fine sand. P2 is characterized by the highest content of this fraction, which makes the soil more prone to rapid moisture loss. P1 has a more balanced composition. P3 contains the highest amount of coarse dust, which may improve its ability to retain moisture and nutrients. However, its loamy structure makes the soil less permeable. Due to the low humidity in the soil composition and the low amount of precipitation, the vegetation cover is xerophytic.
3.2.2. Heavy metals
In the studied soils, mobile forms of trace elements were determined, which allows us to assess the degree of pollution and bioavailability of elements. Thus, in P1, the zinc concentration varies from 1.20 to 3.10 mg/kg, which indicates its relatively low content.
In P2, the range of values for zinc is much wider - from 2.10 to 140.0 mg/kg, which indicates a higher level of pollution with this element. At the same time, P3 demonstrates a narrow range of zinc concentrations (1.40-1.50 mg/kg), which is the lowest among the studied groups (Table 4). As for copper, in P1 its content is in the range of 1.30-2.00 mg/kg, which corresponds to a moderate level.
In P2, copper values are limited to a narrow interval from 1.30 to 1.70 mg/kg, which indicates the stability of the concentration. In population 3, lower copper levels are observed, ranging from 0.90 to 1.30 mg/kg, which may indicate a lower mobility of this element.
Analysis of cadmium showed that in P1, its concentration ranges from 0.30 to 0.90 mg/kg, which indicates a moderate level. In P2, the cadmium range is significantly higher, from 1.40 to 1.70 mg/kg, and in P3, the values are between the values of the first two groups (0.90-1.00 mg/kg).
Finally, lead content in P1 varies from 1.50 to 1.90 mg/kg, which also corresponds to a moderate level. In P2, lead ranges from 1.10 to 4.10 mg/kg, which also indicates higher levels compared to other populations. In P3, lead concentrations range from 0.90 to 1.70 mg/kg, which is generally at a low level of contamination.
The mobile forms of copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) in the studied soils do not exceed the MPC, which indicates a stable ecological state of these elements. Zinc exceeds MPC only in P2, which indicates the presence of pollution in this population. For P1 and P3 zinc content is within the norms.
The markedly elevated Zn levels in P2 may reflect localized anthropogenic influences such as past mining activity, road proximity and atmospheric deposition, which are known to contribute to heavy metal accumulation in mountainous arid environments.
The salt sum in P1 varies from 0.066% to 0.115% depending on depth. The sum of salts decreases with depth. In P2, the sum of salts varies from 0.033% to 0.061%, also decreasing with increasing depth. In P3, the sum of salts ranges from 0.039% to 0.062%, similar to populations-1 and 2, but at a slightly lower level.
Alkalinity is generally at very low levels for all populations, with variations ranging from 0.029% to 0.027% in P1, 0.024% to 0.022% in P2, and 0.022% to 0.024% in P3. Alkalinity levels are fairly stable at different depths, with no significant variations observed.
Chloride is present in very low concentrations, close to zero in each population. This indicates low chloride content in the soils of the studied populations.
Sulphate content in the populations ranges from 0.00% to 0.001%, which are also minimum values indicating very low sulphate concentrations.
Cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na-K+). Calcium concentrations range from 0.22% to 1.20% in populations. The highest calcium concentration is observed in P1 (0-10 cm depth), where calcium concentration is 1.20%. Magnesium is found in relatively low concentrations, ranging from 0.17% to 0.47% in the populations. Magnesium concentrations are most stable across depths. Sodium is also found in very low amounts, ranging from 0.28% to 0.47%. Potassium content is also low, ranging from 0.28% to 0.47% across depths (Figure 4).
Salt profile of soils in the three populations: (a) total salt content (%), (b) concentration of dominant cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+), and (c) concentration of bicarbonates (HCO3−) in the 0-100 cm soil layer.
The concentration of bicarbonates (HCO3-) is also low and varies from 0.03% to 0.09% in the populations. P1 at 0-10 cm depth has maximum concentration of 0.09%. The concentration of normal carbonates in CO3- is minimal everywhere, with levels close to zero, indicating that there is no significant impact of calcium and magnesium salts in the form of carbonates.
All populations are characterized by a relatively low content of salts and cations in soils, indicating a low degree of salinization. P1 has the highest salt content at a depth of 0-10 cm, while deeper this content decreases. P2 and P3 are characterized by more stable and lower values for all parameters, indicating ecosystem stability and reduced risk of salinization.
Thus, the data on salt, alkalinity and cation concentrations show that salinity in the studied populations is minimal and does not pose a threat to vegetation.
3.3. Ecological and conservation relevance
The results obtained in this study are of particular ecological significance for the conservation of Spiraeanthus schrenkianus, a rare and endangered endemic species of the Karatau Mountains. The differences in soil fertility, especially the higher levels of mobile nitrogen and humus in Population 1 (P1), are directly correlated with the greater diversity and density of the plant community, including the dominant presence of S. schrenkianus. In contrast, the lower nutrient levels and trace element imbalance observed in Populations 2 and 3 (P2 and P3) coincide with a marked reduction in species diversity and vegetation cover. This suggests that soil nutrient availability, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as low heavy metal contamination, are critical factors for the survival and sustainable development of S. schrenkianus populations.
Given the species' ecological niche in xerophytic, rocky environments, the study highlights that microhabitats with relatively better soil fertility and lower pollution—such as those found in P1—should be prioritized for in-situ conservation efforts. Furthermore, soil analysis can serve as a practical tool to identify suitable areas for habitat restoration or species reintroduction. The insights gained from this study may inform biodiversity conservation strategies under the challenges of soil degradation and climate aridization in Southern Kazakhstan.
4. Discussion
The soil characteristics identified in our study within the Karatau Mountains align closely with patterns observed in other arid and semi-arid mountain regions across Central Asia. In our research, significant differences in soil fertility and contamination were documented among the studied populations of Spiraeanthus schrenkianus, highlighting the relationship between soil properties and vegetation patterns. Our findings on the low humus content, typical of mountain gray-brown soils and mountain southern serozems, are consistent with earlier studies from similar ecological contexts. Pachikin et al. (2022a) described comparable soil features in the foothill zones of Kazakhstan, noting low humus concentrations and susceptibility to erosion, features particularly apparent in populations P2 and P3 of our study. Similarly, research by Kakabayev et al. (2024) also highlighted low soil nutrient availability in arid mountain environments, emphasizing the limited capacity of these soils to retain nutrients essential for vegetation growth.
Comparable patterns have been noted in the mountainous regions of Iran, where soils often exhibit low organic matter content and high carbonate accumulation, particularly under arid conditions, as documented by Farahpour et al. (2020). They found that the prevalence of carbonate-rich horizons in mountain soils significantly impacts plant diversity and distribution, closely paralleling our observations regarding increased CO2 content with depth and its relationship to vegetation composition in the Karatau Mountains.
In terms of heavy metal contamination, the unexpectedly high zinc concentration detected in population P2 is an anomaly not widely reported in previous regional studies. This finding potentially indicates localized anthropogenic sources, such as historical mining or atmospheric deposition. This aligns with similar observations in other mountainous regions exposed to anthropogenic activities, such as parts of the Caucasus, where elevated heavy metal concentrations due to historical industrial activities have been reported by Faurat et al. (2024).
Moreover, the variability in mobile nitrogen and phosphorus content across the studied populations, particularly the higher nutrient availability in population P1, supports previous findings from the arid and semi-arid regions of Central Asia. Nurmahanova et al. (2023a) documented similar associations between higher nutrient availability and increased plant diversity and density in mountain-steppe ecosystems in southern Kazakhstan. Such nutrient-driven vegetation dynamics have also been extensively reported from the semi-arid Grassland, where nutrient-rich soils significantly enhance the biodiversity and stability of plant communities (Li et al., 2022).
Thus, our results extend and deepen the understanding of plant-soil relationships by explicitly linking soil chemical and physical properties to the ecological success and conservation potential of endemic species in arid mountain ecosystems. This comparative perspective underscores the importance of targeted soil conservation and restoration strategies, crucial for biodiversity conservation under increasingly arid climate conditions prevalent across these regions.
5. Conclusion
This study provides important insights into the soil characteristics within the Karatau range of Southern Kazakhstan. Three distinct populations - mountain gray-brown soils (P1 and P3) and mountain southern serozems (P2) - were analyzed, revealing significant variations in chemical and granulometric properties, nutrient availability, and trace element concentrations. Notably, CO2 content increased with soil depth, reflecting carbonate accumulation and organic matter mineralization typical for arid conditions. Population-specific differences included higher mobile nitrogen and phosphorus availability in P1, correlating with greater plant diversity and density, whereas elevated zinc concentrations indicating localized pollution were observed in P2. Overall, the soils exhibited low salinity, posing minimal risk to vegetation. These findings enhance understanding of plant-soil interactions and inform conservation strategies for endemic species in xerophytic environments. Additionally, the results provide a useful baseline for long-term monitoring of soil degradation processes in arid mountain ecosystems.
Acknowledgements
We express our sincere gratitude to the Head of the Soil Ecology Department of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Saparov G.A., for his valuable comments, editing, and reviewing of the manuscript.
Data Availability Statement
The entire data set that supports the results of this study was published in the article itself.
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Editor:
Takako Matsumura Tundisi
