Abstract
This study is a long-term comparative analysis of the morphological and chemical char-acteristics of dark chestnut solonetzic soils in the dry-steppe zone of the Ereymentau district of the Akmola region for the period 1979-2024. Based on archival soil surveys and modern laboratory data, changes in the humus content, pH, ionic composition and heavy metal concentration were estimated. The use of geostatistical mapping and GIS technologies allowed us to identify spatial patterns of soil cover transformation. The results showed a significant decrease in the organic matter content in the upper horizons, relative stability of pH in the slightly alkaline range, redistribution of exchangeable cati-ons and vertical migration of trace elements, including plumbum and cadmium. Despite the fact that heavy metal concentrations remain below the established maximum per-missible levels, the identified trends indicate progressive degradation and the need for systematic monitoring. Recommendations for sustainable land use, taking into account regional climatic and anthropogenic factors, are proposed.