Spatiotemporal dynamics of soil erosion and salinization in the Ayyrtau district, North Kazakhstan: A multi-source GIS and remote sensing assessment (2000–2022)

N. M. Suleimenov, Nurmukhambet Medeubayev, Sveta Imanbayeva, А.Т. Нургалиева, Aizhan KALIYASKAROVA, Nurzhamal Ermukhanova, Meruert KAKENOVA, Alma Akhmetova, Kuralai Sakitayeva, Boboev Azizjon Azimjonovich

2026

Data confidence 70 medium

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Abstract

This study utilizes geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze soil cover in the Ayyrtau District, North Kazakhstan, focusing on soil types, degradation, and changes over the past 20 years.Chernozems, covering 45% of the area, are the most productive, while Solonetz soils (15%) present challenges due to high salinity and alkalinity.Remote sensing data from Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellites, integrated with ArcGIS 10.8, enabled detailed soil mapping and monitoring.The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and digital elevation models (DEM) assessed erosion risks, particularly on southern slopes.Findings show a 12% increase in soil erosion and an 8% rise in soil salinization, with erosion most pronounced on slopes and salinization affecting low-lying areas.Field validation, including soil sampling and laboratory analysis, confirmed the GIS analysis with 87% accuracy.Chernozems showed 7% humus content, while Solonetz soils had 2.5% organic matter and 1.2% salt content.Recommendations include implementing erosion control measures and land reclamation strategies to mitigate salinization's impact on agriculture.This study underscores the importance of continuous GIS monitoring for sustainable land-use planning, ensuring long-term soil fertility and agricultural sustainability.