Descriptive Morphogenetic and Physical Analysis of Soils of Various Landscapes (Kostanay Region, Kazakhstan)

A comparative descriptive study was conducted to characterize the morphogenetic and physical properties of six soil profiles in the Kostanay region of northern Kazakhstan. This study aimed to differentiate the soil genetic horizons, assess their structural quality, and investigate their physical properties under distinct ecological matrices, including baseline zonal steppes, Amankaragay intra-zonal sandy pine forests, dynamic river floodplains, and agriculturally modified areas. Integrated field macro-morphological profiling and genetic diagnostic techniques were used to evaluate these properties. It was found that the soil cover in the area consists of ordinary chernozem, southern chernozem, dark chestnut soil, alluvial soil, and sandy sod-forest soil. Differences were identified in the thickness of the humus layer, soil structure, and depth of carbonates. The macro-morphological analysis revealed distinct structural and genetic features across the studied landscape matrices. The steppe zone had well-developed, granular-blocky profiles with carbonate effervescence that was depth-dependent (down to 140–150 cm) and localized solonetzic features. The Amankaragay forest sands had in situ weathering (brunic features) and deeply developed humic profiles. The Tobol River floodplain had a complex, stratified sequence with a redox-mottled, buried meadow horizon [A] at a depth of 63–68 cm. The results showed that the studied chernozem soils had favorable agrophysical properties and robust structural integrity. They also had typical humus profiles, which create a fundamental physical baseline for soil moisture retention and provide a foundation for future comprehensive chemical fertility assessments.