Changes in the Composition and Properties of Meadow Solonchaks of the Ili Alatau Foothill Plain in the Republic of Kazakhstan during a Long Postmeliorative Period

Abstract

The optimal depth of the groundwater table and the water-salt regime is of importance in the postmeliorative period. The scope of these studies is to provide scientifically grounded assessment of previously reclaimed soils (water irrigation with a total norm of 5000 m³/ha under conditions of deep horizontal drainage, 1986-1989) in the postmeliorative period of 2015-2016 and to develop parameters for forecasting their meliorative regime. This work was conducted with the use of traditional ground-based methods of soil research. As a result of the research, data were obtained that allow assessing the water-salt regime, groundwater levels, their mineralization, as well as changes in the physical and hydrophysical properties of the previously reclaimed meadow solonchaks under natural conditions and under alfalfa in the background of deep, horizontal drainage and developing soil biota control techniques, including improvement of the meliorative state of the soil and indicators of their effective fertility.