Biotechnological Restoration Methods of Technogenically Disturbed Soils in Kazakhstan

This article includes materials on the environmental status of soils as a result of disturbances to the soil surface by resource-extracting industries, and the degradation and desertification of the soil surface in the Aral Sea area. It highlights the methods of field study used in technologically disturbed lands and biotechnological methods of remediating soils which are disturbed and transformed by oil production and aridity. Comprehensive biogeocenologic studies of the initial processes of soil formation in technogenically disturbed ecosystems have been conducted. Integrated approaches have made it possible to develop biotechnological remediation methods. The main aim was to initiate humus formation and soil development by introducing site-adapted vegetation. This was supported by specific biological soil ameliorants and occasionally also by chemical soil ameliorants. Haloxylon aphyllum proved a most promising drought-resistant plant for land restoration on many sites. Fencing was very important for the natural restoration of the soil and vegetation.