Landscaping of settlements in the Aral Sea disaster zone (Kazakhstan)

Abstract

The role of landscaping in ameliorating the environmental conditions within settlements surrounding the Aral Sea is paramount. The primary natural constraints affecting the proliferation of plant species in the green spaces of Aralsk include low winter temperatures, elevated summer temperatures, meager precipitation, and susceptibility to windstorms. An evaluation of the species composition of tree and shrub vegetation was conducted in landscaped areas belonging to social and cultural facilities, as well on private residential property, within the municipal boundaries of Aralsk. Plantings surveyed encompassed an area of approximately 34,000 m2. 89.5% of the flora is comprised of five predominant taxa: Ulmus pumila, Populus x canadensis, Haloxylon ammodendron, Platycladus orientalis, and Acer negundo. These species demonstrate resilience to both high and low temperatures throughout the growing season, and their availability as planting material in the region further enhances their suitability. Presently, the city incorporates 31 taxa of tree and shrub species in its green spaces. Notably, Ulmus glabra, Catalpa ovata, Platanus orientalis, Hibiscus syriacus, and Prunus padus have been introduced and were not previously observed in the city. Analysis of the age distribution reveals 68.7% of young trees, underscoring ongoing landscaping efforts within the city even amid a shortage of irrigation water.