Abstract
This study investigates the influence of agroforestry practices on the productivity and ecological condition of forest pastures in Eastern Kazakhstan. The primary objective of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of different agroforestry technologies in rehabilitating degraded pasture ecosystems. The analysis focuses on identifying the relationships between soil and vegetation changes in response to the introduction of various tree species and agronomic techniques. The study involved comparative assessments of control plots and areas where agroforestry interventions were implemented, including the planting of native and introduced tree species combined with soil improvement measures. The results revealed that agroforestry practices have a positive impact on several key indicators of pasture health. Tree plantations significantly contributed to improving soil structure and fertility by enhancing water retention capacity, increasing organic matter (humus) content, and reducing wind and water erosion. Notably, pastures integrated with tree cover showed a marked 20–30% increase in grass productivity and a more diverse and stable plant community compared to areas without intervention. The research highlighted the superior performance of native tree species, which were better adapted to local climatic and soil conditions, required minimal maintenance, and supported more balanced ecological interactions. In contrast, fast-growing introduced species demonstrated a high survival rate and rapid biomass accumulation but were more sensitive to environmental stress and required ongoing care. Overall, the findings underscore the potential of agroforestry as a sustainable land management strategy for enhancing the productivity, resilience, and long-term ecological integrity of forest pastures in arid and semi-arid regions of Kazakhstan