Abstract
Aim of the study The article presents research findings on the ecological state of the Shiderty-Olenti natural zone (ShONZ) during and after maximum environmental water releases. The analysis focused on the soil cover, flora, and fauna. Material and methods The study area for convenient identification of changes that occurred after the cessation of water releases was carried out in 5 sample sections (Figure 2): 1 section - these are limans of Sarykamysk rural district of rural zone of Ekibastuz city; 2 section - limans of Komsomol rural district of rural zone of Ekibastuz city; 3 section - territory adjacent to Shikyldak lake in Komsomol rural district of rural zone of Ekibastuz city; 4 section - territory adjacent to Shikyldak lake in Komsomol rural district of rural zone of Ekibastuz city; 5 section - territory adjacent to the lake Shureksor in Akzhol rural district of rural zone of Aksu city. Results and conclusions According to the survey data, the area of unsalted soil is equal to 7 % (734 ha) of the total study area (9510 ha). The largest area of the territory characterized by practical absence of salts is the 5th study section, occupying 21 % (122 ha) of the total research area, in the 4th study section all soil is saline, in other sections (1, 2, 3 sections) the area of non-saline soil is equal to 8 % (295 ha), 16 % (177 ha), 4 % (140 ha) respectively.