Abstract
The paper presents the results of a study conducted in 2023–2024 on plant species diversity of pasture sites under different cattle grazing regimes in Zhaksy district, Akmola region. The main objective was to assess the effects of intensive grazing (control) compared to rotational grazing management on species composition and biodiversity of grassland ecosystems.Floristic composition analysis and Shannon diversity index calculations indicated significant differences in vegetation diversity between control plots (continuous grazing) and rotational grazing areas. Throughout all investigated seasons (spring, summer,autumn), species diversity on control plots was consistently lower compared to rotationally grazed pastures. The greatest differences occurred during the spring and autumn periods, highlighting seasonal variability in grazing impacts. Rotational grazing fields demonstrated consistently higher biodiversity indices. The highest species diversity was recorded on rotational grazing plots, particularly on pasture No4, where Shannon’s index was consistently higher, reaching maximum values (up to 2,25). Results obtained from this study strongly support the implementation of rotational grazing strategies for maintaining and enhancing species richness and ecological stability of steppe grasslands. These findings provide essential insights for sustainable pasture management practices, contributing to the improvement of ecosystem functions, preservation of plant diversity, and sustainable livestock production in the semi-arid steppe zones of Northern Kazakhstan