This study provides a comparative analysis of phenotypic variability in the morphological traits of tench (Tinca tinca L.) reared under aquaculture conditions and those from a natural population in southern Kazakhstan. The aim of the study was to evaluate phenotypic plasticity and adaptive differentiation between populations shaped by contrasting ecological and trophic environments. Morphometric analysis revealed significant differences in indices associated with growth patterns and body shape. The aquaculture group demonstrated faster somatic growth and lower variability, whereas the wild population exhibited greater morphological diversity, likely reflecting the effects of natural selection and habitat heterogeneity. The results indicate pronounced phenotypic divergence between pond-reared and wild tench, which is likely driven by environmental conditions and aquaculture practices. These findings highlight the high adaptive plasticity of the species and support its potential for domestication and large-scale aquaculture in Kazakhstan. Overall, the data may contribute to the development of conservation and restocking programs for natural populations, as well as to selective breeding strategies and sustainable aquaculture practices.

This study assessed mountain tugai poplar forests in southern and southeastern Kazakhstan by conducting forest inventory analysis and field surveys in Zhongar Alatau, Northern Tien Shan, and Western Tien Shan. The forest inventory identified 1,622.5 hectares of poplar forests, mainly consisting of mature and overmature stands with low density and productivity. Only 47% of these forests were located within protected areas. The primary species, Populus macrocarpa (Schrenk) Pavlov (also known as P. talassica Kom.), was confirmed through molecular genetic analysis using ITS, matK, and rbcL markers. Natural regeneration mainly occured vegetatively, with limited seed reproduction. Recreational activities had a significant impact on stand condition, reducing the proportion of viable trees from 70–85% in protected areas to 50–55% in heavily visited sites. B-INTACT modeling predicted substantial ecosystem degradation with increased recreational infrastructure. Conservation efforts should focus on expanding protected area coverage, controlling invasive species, and implementing systematic long-term monitoring to address these challenges.

In the article, the authors examine the process of formation and development of the system of specialized vocational education in Southern Kazakhstan in the 1920s–1940s as an important element of regional modernization during the Soviet period. Based on archival materials from the Central State Archive of the Republic of Kazakhstan, documents of party-administrative bodies, regulatory legal acts, and published statistical data of the interwar period, the institutional changes accompanying the establishment and expansion of a network of technical schools, factory apprenticeship schools, agricultural and other vocational institutions are analyzed. The authors consider the evolution of the regulatory framework, the mechanisms of organizational formation of the system, and the specific features of the development of its material and technical infrastructure. It is shown that in the 1920s the development of vocational education took place under conditions of limited resources, weak mechanization, and high pressure on educational facilities and equipment. The processes of institutional integration of the regional educational network into the centralized system of governance subordinate to the bodies of public education and economic planning are analyzed. It is established that the transition to industrialization and collectivization in the late 1920s led to the institutional reorganization of vocational schools, their transformation into technical schools, and the expansion of the factory apprenticeship system. The authors regard the 1930s as a stage of mobilization-industrial development of the system, characterized by the strengthening of links between personnel training and the production sector and by the increasing complexity of professional specialization. It is concluded that specialized vocational education 1920-1940 acted as a structure-forming factor of regional modernization, providing institutional and personnel support for agrarian mechanization and industrial construction and contributing to the transformation of the social structure of Southern Kazakhstan.

This article examines the training of medical personnel and its significance for the development of the health care system in the South Kazakhstan region between 1970 and 1990. During this period, the health care system of the Kazakh SSR operated under conditions of a persistent shortage of qualified medical specialists, which had a substantial impact on the quality and accessibility of medical services, particularly in rural and peripheral areas. In this context, personnel policy and the system of professional training for medical workers became one of the key instruments of state strategy in the field of public health. The article analyzes the expansion of the network of medical educational institutions, the development of specialization and postgraduate training, and the institutional strengthening of medical institutes as the primary mechanisms for overcoming staffing shortages. The study demonstrates that the chronic lack of medical personnel stimulated the a ctive development of educational infrastructure in major regional centers, which contributed to a steady increase in the number of physicians and mid-level medical staff, the diversification of medical specialties, and improved access to medical care. Particular attention is given to the role of specialized areas of medical practice, including pharmaceutical education and neurosurgical services, which reflected the transition of the health care system from an extensive model of development to a more differentiated and professionally oriented structure. The article concludes that the system of medical personnel training formed during the Soviet period created a stable institutional and human-capital foundation for the further development of regional health care. Despite the transformational processes and challenges of the post-Soviet period, the professional traditions, educational models, and workforce potential established during the 1970s –1990s continue to exert a significant influence on the contemporary health care system of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The findings expand the historiography of the issue and underscore the importance of historical experience in the formulation of effective personnel policies in the health care sector.

The research was conducted in 2024 under the agro-climatic conditions of Southern Kazakhstan in breeding nurseries on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The main objective of the study was to identify and select promising genotypes characterized by high agronomically valuable traits, adaptability to local environmental conditions, and suitability for modern cultivation technologies, including mechanized harvesting. Special attention was given to productivity, earliness, disease resistance, plant architecture, and technological characteristics. A total of 314 chickpea accessions of diverse ecological and geographical origin were studied and subjected to comprehensive breeding evaluation. In the collection nursery, phenological observations were carried out on 100 newly introduced accessions to assess the duration of vegetative and reproductive phases. Based on growth rate and development dynamics, 15 accessions were selected as early- and medium-early maturing forms. Additionally, 50 accessions were identified as resistant to ascochyta blight under natural infection conditions, demonstrating stable field resistance. Detailed evaluation of branching number, plant height, growth habit, and suitability for mechanized harvesting allowed the identification of 10 accessions with a lower pod attachment height exceeding 20 cm, which is considered optimal for direct combine harvesting. During hybridization work, 10 cross combinations were developed, with pod-setting rates ranging from 11.1% to 15.5%, indicating satisfactory cross-compatibility. In the F1–F5 generations, intensive selection resulted in 3 accessions classified as excellent, 5 as good, and 8 as satisfactory according to a комплекс of agronomically valuable traits. In first- and second-year breeding nurseries, promising lines were identified based on yield performance, earliness, plant height, and stability. In control and competitive variety testing nurseries, several accessions significantly outperformed standard varieties in terms of earliness, grain yield, and 1000-seed weight, confirming their potential for further state variety testing and practical cultivation.

The watering of pasture lands is a key condition for the sustainable development of livestock farming in the arid and semi-arid zones of southern Kazakhstan. This issue is particularly acute in the southern regions of the country, where there is a shortage of surface water sources and a significant portion of pastures is used extensively due to underdeveloped water supply infrastructure. One of the promising solutions to this problem is the use of groundwater for pasture irrigation and year-round livestock watering. The aim of this study is to assess the current state of water supply for pasture areas in southern Kazakhstan and to identify the potential for the sustainable use of groundwater. The article examines the natural-climatic and hydrogeological conditions of the region, analyzes spatial differences in water resource availability, and presents the results of field research. The study is based on scientific and technical materials from research conducted by the U.M. Akhmedsafin Institute of Hydrogeology and Geoecology in 2024. During field expeditions, route surveys of pasture lands were carried out, covering zones with varying degrees of water availability. Water samples were collected from wells and boreholes, followed by hydrogeochemical analysis under laboratory conditions. The results made it possible to determine the suitability of groundwater for livestock watering, to identify territorial differences in hydrogeological conditions, and to outline directions for improving the pasture watering system.

Climate change and progressive aridification represent a substantial threat to the sustainability of wild medicinal plant resources in Central Asia. Rheum tataricum L.f. (R. tataricum), a mesoxerophytic species with high pharmacological potential and a restricted distribution range, was selected as a model for investigating adaptive responses to combined climatic and edaphic stress. Relationships among climatic parameters, soil agrochemical characteristics, anatomical and morphological traits, and the metabolomic profile of roots and rhizomes were analysed across six ecopopulations distributed along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients in southern and western Kazakhstan. To quantify population-level vulnerability to climatic stress, a Climate Sensitivity Index (CSI) was calculated. All investigated ecopopulations exhibited high climate sensitivity (CSI = 0.30-0.40), indicating persistent climatic stress. Significant altitudinal dependence was detected for such anatomical traits, as primary cortex thickness, as well as for the accumulation of tannins, anthraquinones, and flavonoids. The metabolomic profile was strongly associated with seasonal precipitation, temperature, relative air humidity, soil agrochemical properties, and root elemental composition. These findings demonstrate pronounced anatomical and metabolomic plasticity in R. tataricum, which appears to function as a key adaptive mechanism in arid ecosystems. The results provide a scientific basis for sustainable bioprospecting, conservation of natural populations, and targeted cultivation aimed at obtaining specific metabolomic profiles.

Maize production in semi–arid irrigated systems depends on soil fertility and an active rhizosphere. We hypothesized that vermiculite enriched with humic substances (HS) or Chlorella vulgaris (CV) would outperform vermiculite alone by improving soil fertility, maize nutrition, and rhizosphere-associated microbial indicators. A field experiment was conducted in southern Kazakhstan under medium–loam sierozem using a randomized block design with three replicates and seven treatments: control, vermiculite at 1 and 2 t ha−1, vermiculite + HS at 1 and 2 t ha−1, and vermiculite + CV at 1 and 2 t ha−1. Amendments were incorporated before sowing, and soil, plant, and microbial measurements were taken before sowing, at V6–V8, and after harvest. Compared with the control, all amendments improved early maize growth, leaf area development, biomass accumulation, and nutrient status, and increased grain yield. The strongest response was obtained with vermiculite + HS at 2 t ha−1, which increased grain yield from 6.48 to 10.24 t ha−1 (+58%). Microbial indicators differed between bulk soil and the rhizosphere, while Pearson correlation and PCA revealed coordinated soil–plant–microbe responses and productivity–linked variables across treatments. Taken together, these results indicate that enriched vermiculite, especially HS–enriched vermiculite at 2 t ha−1, is a promising amendment for improving maize productivity and rhizosphere functioning in semi–arid irrigated systems.

Zygophyllum fabago L. is recognized as a valuable medicinal species traditionally applied in the treatment of rheumatism, inflammatory and dermatological disorders, urinary tract problems, and intestinal parasitic infections. In the present work, a comparative anatomical study was performed on specimens collected from three natural populations located near the villages of Topar, Bakanas, and Miyaly within the Ili-Balkhash region of Kazakhstan. The objective was to characterize the variability of vegetative-organ anatomy in relation to soil differences such as salinity, compaction, and nutrient supply. Samples were preserved in 70 % ethanol, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned at 40 μm with a rotary microtome (MEDITE M530). Microscopic observations were carried out using a Levenhuk D740T instrument, and dimensional data were obtained with the LevenhukLite software package. Among the studied populations, root periderm thickness ranged from 119.35 μm (Pop. 1) to 168.54 μm (Pop. 3). The thickest xylem was observed in Pop. 3 (860.65 μm), suggesting improved hydraulic conductance, while the most developed mesophyll layers occurred in the same group, where palisade and spongy tissues reached 728.51 μm and 843.68 μm, respectively. Such structural variation demonstrates the pronounced adaptive flexibility of Z.fabago under contrasting edaphic conditions. This investigation provides the first comprehensive anatomical characterization of the species from southern Kazakhstan, emphasizing the diagnostic importance of tissue traits for assessing ecological resilience and the potential of Z.fabago in restoring arid and saline landscapes.

A distinctive feature of the geological structure of the regions of southern Kazakhstan are weak ground deposits with a thickness of up to 20 meters or more, water saturation of the surface layers of the base with groundwater or surface waters and high seismicity up to 10 points on the MSK-94 scale. Construction in such conditions requires a set of measures to strengthen the foundation and improve the mechanical properties of the foundation soils. Soil hardening is performed with DSM cement columns of a certain diameter and a step of arrangement along the reinforced array. Such hardening changes the seismic properties of the base and, accordingly, the joint operation of the structure with the base soils in comparison with the non-hardened base soil. The article presents data on the propagation velocities of transverse and longitudinal waves in natural and reinforced substrates. Data on the wave propagation velocities in the column material used to strengthen the base are presented. The data of geophysical studies on the measurement of wave propagation velocities in an unconstructed and hardened massif are presented. It is shown how, depending on the number of reinforcement elements and their arrangement patterns in the reinforced array, the propagation velocity of transverse and longitudinal waves can change. It is shown how and to what extent the rigidity of the hardened massif and the seismic properties of the soils of the hardened base change. The MIDAS GTS NX provides an example of using the DSM column reinforcement method and an approach to determining the dynamic properties of a reinforced base to calculate the bearing capacity and operational suitability of a building or structure under seismic influence.

The southern regions of Kazakhstan, characterized by aridity and a continental climate, are currently facing a complex interplay of emerging challenges in the agricultural sector. Therefore, transitioning to advanced agrotechnologies in soybean production in this region might support broader science-driven solutions. Field trials were conducted between 2021 and 2023 to assess the effects of plant growth stimulator and micronutrients on soybean productivity under the harsh conditions of South Kazakhstan. The treatments were as follows: control without any application; seed priming with Vimpel (0.5 L/ton) and Orakul (1.5 L/ton) was applied in T1. In T2 and T3, these applications were supplemented with foliar treatments of Vimpel (0.5 L/ha) and Orakul (2.0 L/ha) at the 3–5 leaf stage and the bud formation stage. In T4, additional foliar Vimpel (0.5 L/ha), Orakul (2.0 L/ha), and Orakul Kolofermin (2.0 L/ha) were applied at the bud formulation stage. Results showed that soybean yield increased progressively in response to the multi-stage application of plant growth stimulator along with micronutrients. The grain yield reached 2063 and 2,185 kg/ha in T2 and T3, surpassing the control by 30.4 and 38.1%, respectively. The greatest increase (54.6%) was observed in T4, highlighting the potential of the multi-stage applications for greater efficacy with balanced nutrient interventions. In this treatment, the water productivity (WP) value also enhanced by 48.6% and the harvest index (HI) by 17.9%, contributing to more efficient water use strategies. This study presents the advantages of the applied innovative nutrient management practices in enhancing soybean production under adverse agroecosystems in southern Kazakhstan, while simultaneously reducing dependence on widely used chemical fertilizers.

Background/Objectives: Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a major cereal crop in Kazakhstan; however, its productivity is frequently constrained by foliar diseases, particularly barley scald (BS) and net blotch (NB). Understanding the genetic diversity of barley germplasm and identifying resistance-associated alleles are essential for improving disease resistance in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and population structure in a collection of two-rowed spring barley accessions and to identify SSR alleles associated with resistance to BS and NB. Methods: A total of 86 two-rowed spring barley accessions were genotyped using 14 SSR markers. Phenotypic evaluation for BS and NB resistance was conducted under natural infection conditions across two environments in southeastern and southern Kazakhstan. Genetic diversity and population structure were analyzed using Neighbor-Joining (NJ) clustering, Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA), and STRUCTURE. Marker-trait associations were evaluated using MLM method. Results: Phenotypic assessments revealed significant environment-dependent variation in disease severity for both BS and NB. Population structure analyses consistently identified distinct genetic clusters within the collection. Seven significant (p < 0.05) allele-trait associations were detected. The Bmac209 176 bp allele exhibited the strongest association with NB severity at KRIAPG. Among the identified markers, Bmag206 246 bp was uniquely associated with reduced NB infection, whereas Bmag206 252 bp, Bmag613 176 bp, and HvLEU 186 bp were linked with higher susceptibility to NB and BS. Conclusions: The identified resistance- and susceptibility-associated SSR alleles provide useful diagnostic markers for marker-assisted selection and support the potential of allele pyramiding for developing barley cultivars with combined resistance to BS and NB. This study establishes a genetic framework to enhance barley disease resistance in Central Asian breeding programs.

The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a highly adaptable wild carnivore whose expanding range in Kazakhstan increases contact with livestock, wildlife, and human-modified environments. Despite its potential epidemiological importance, data on helminth infections in jackals from southern Kazakhstan remain limited. In this study, 13 golden jackals collected from four regions of southern Kazakhstan were examined by necropsy of internal organs and coprological analysis. Helminths were identified using morphological methods and molecular genetic analysis of mitochondrial (cox1) and ribosomal (NC13/NC2) markers. Five helminth species were detected, including the nematodes Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara canis, and the cestodes Taenia multiceps, Taenia krabbei, and Mesocestoides sp. Molecular phylogenetic analyses confirmed species-level identification of nematodes and cestodes and showed clear clustering with reference sequences. Overall, 46% of examined jackals were infected with at least one helminth species. The presence of taeniid cestodes and zoonotic nematodes highlights the role of golden jackals as definitive hosts in parasite transmission cycles involving wildlife, livestock, and humans. These findings provide new molecular and epizootological data on helminths of golden jackals in southern Kazakhstan and contribute to understanding their epidemiological significance.

В статье представлен комплексный геоэкологический анализ деградированных земель юга Казахстана (Кызылординская, Жамбылская и Туркестанская области), подвергшихся техногенному и природному воздействию. На основе полевых наблюдений и лабораторных анализов оценены физико-химические, структурные и гидрологические свойства почв, выявлены основные процессы деградации: засоление, эрозия, уплотнение и снижение содержания органического вещества. Проанализирована эффективность методов рекультивации, включая биомелиорацию, механическую и ландшафтную рекультивацию. Показано, что их комплексное применение способствует восстановлению почвенной структуры, водного режима и растительного покрова, формируя научную основу для практических рекомендаций по повышению плодородия и экологической устойчивости земель в аридных и полуаридных условиях южного Казахстана Мақалада Қазақстанның оңтүстік өңірлеріндегі (Қызылорда, Жамбыл және Түркістан облыстары) техногендік және табиғи әсерге ұшыраған деградацияланған жерлердің кешенді геоэкологиялық талдауы берілген. Далалық бақылаулар мен зертханалық талдаулар негізінде топырақтың физика-химиялық, құрылымдық және гидрологиялық қасиеттері бағаланып, деградацияның негізгі үдерістері – тұздану, эрозия, тығыздалу және органикалық заттар мөлшерінің төмендеуі анықталды. Биомелиорация, механикалық және ландшафттық рекультивацияны қамтитын қалпына келтіру әдістерінің тиімділігі талданды. Бұл тәсілдерді кешенді қолдану топырақ құрылымын, су режимін және өсімдік жамылғысын қалпына келтіруге ықпал етіп, Қазақстанның оңтүстігіндегі аридтік және шөлейт аймақтарда жер құнарлылығы мен экологиялық тұрақтылықты арттыруға арналған практикалық ұсынымдардың ғылыми негізін қалыптастырады The article provides a comprehensive geoecological assessment of degraded lands in southern Kazakhstan (Kyzylorda, Zhambyl, and Turkestan regions) affected by anthropogenic and natural factors. Field observations and laboratory analyses were used to evaluate the physicochemical, structural, and hydrological properties of soils and to identify key degradation processes, including salinization, erosion, compaction, and reduced organic matter content. The effectiveness of biomelioration, mechanical, and landscape reclamation methods was assessed. The results show that their integrated application supports the restoration of soil structure, water regime, and vegetation cover, forming a scientific basis for practical recommendations to enhance soil fertility and environmental sustainability in the arid and semi-arid regions of southern Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, located in Central Asia, is experiencing faster warming than the global trend, making it an important region regarding the study of how climate change is affecting climatic zones. This research aims to identify projected shifts in Köppen–Geiger climate zones under high-emission Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) 5-8.5 climate scenarios. The Köppen–Geiger climate classification system is a practical tool that effectively captures climate types based on just two variables: temperature and precipitation. Monthly temperature and precipitation data from Climatic Research Unit (CRU,) ERA5-Land, and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) ensembles from 1951 to 2100 were used to generate climatic zone maps. CMIP6 models were evaluated against meteorological station data and ERA5-Land, with bias metrics used to identify the best-performing models for temperature and precipitation in Kazakhstan. Based on these results, two inter-model datasets were developed and used to generate Köppen–Geiger climate maps for high-emission scenarios for the 2061–2100 time period. This research resulted in two key outcomes. First, to facilitate this analysis, a Google Earth Engine (GEE) application was developed as an open accessible tool for dynamic visualization of Köppen–Geiger climate maps. Second, projected maps based on CMIP6 SSP5-8.5 scenario projections indicate that southern Kazakhstan may shift to BSh (Hot Semi-Arid) and Csa (Mediterranean) climates, and the southwest region of the country is projected to shift to a BWh (Hot Desert) climate. These projected Köppen–Geiger climate maps contributed to climate adaptation efforts by identifying regions at risk of desertification and aridification. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of climate zone transformations in Kazakhstan and offers a practical scalable geovisualization tool for monitoring climate change impacts. This allows users easy access to climate-related information and insights into data processing procedures.

Repeated sowing of winter cereals represents one of the adaptive dryland approaches to make more sustainable the rainfed agriculture activities in southern Kazakhstan. This study conducted a multi-year reconstruction of crop transitions using Sentinel-2 imagery for 2018–2025, based on the combined analysis of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) temporal profiles and the Plowed Land Index (PLI), enabling the creation of a field-level harmonized classification set. The transition “spring crop → winter crop” was used as a formal indicator of repeated winter sowing, from which annual repeat layers and an integrated metric, the R-index, were derived. The results revealed a pronounced spatial concentration of repeated sowing in foothill landscapes, where terrain heterogeneity and locally elevated moisture availability promote the recurrent return of winter cereals. Comparison of NDVI composites for the peak spring biomass period (1–20 May) showed a systematic decline in NDVI with increasing R-index, indicating the cumulative effect of repeated soil exploitation and the sensitivity of winter crops to climatic constraints. Precipitation analysis for 2017–2024 confirmed the strong influence of autumn moisture conditions on repetition phases, particularly in years with extreme rainfall anomalies. These findings demonstrate the importance of integrating multi-year satellite observations with climatic indicators for monitoring the resilience of agricultural systems. The identified patterns highlight the necessity of implementing nature-based solutions, including contour–strip land management and the development of protective shelterbelts, to enhance soil moisture retention and improve the stability of regional agricultural landscapes.

Abstract. Akhatayeva D, Kutsev M, Vesselova P, Inelova Z, Osmonali B, Aitzhan M, Zaparina Y, Shadmanova L, Boros E. 2025. Genetic polymorphism of Populus pruinosa and Populus euphratica in Kazakhstan based on ISSR markers. Biodiversitas 26: 6120-6129. The genus Populus (Salicaceae) in Kazakhstan is represented by 13 species, although the exact number of species, including varieties and hybrids, has not been clearly established. Among them, Populus pruinosa and Populus euphratica are native species with rapidly declining population sizes and shrinking habitats. Comprehensive studies on their biology and genetic diversity in Kazakhstan have not reported so far. This study aimed to assess genetic diversity, compare patterns of differentiation, evaluate the relationship between genetic variation and ecological conditions in natural populations of both species. Genetic variability was assessed using the ISSR method, and statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Samples from six natural populations in southern Kazakhstan (three populations of P. pruinosa and three of P. euphratica) showed distinct interspecific differentiation and variable genetic diversity. P. pruinosa populations had higher allelic diversity (h = 0.114-0.153) and expected heterozygosity (0.107-0.139) than P. euphratica (h = 0.041-0.085). Greater genetic diversity in P. pruinosa indicates stronger adaptive potential to arid environments. A moderate correlation was found between genetic and geographic distances (r = 0.597). The findings highlight P. pruinosa superior ecological adaptability. Both species are recommended for targeted conservation and restoration of arid ecosystems in Kazakhstan.

Abstract. Akhatayeva D, Kutsev M, Vesselova P, Inelova Z, Osmonali B, Aitzhan M, Zaparina Y, Shadmanova L, Boros E. 2025. Genetic polymorphism of Populus pruinosa and Populus euphratica in Kazakhstan based on ISSR markers. Biodiversitas 26: 6120-6129. The genus Populus (Salicaceae) in Kazakhstan is represented by 13 species, although the exact number of species, including varieties and hybrids, has not been clearly established. Among them, Populus pruinosa and Populus euphratica are native species with rapidly declining population sizes and shrinking habitats. Comprehensive studies on their biology and genetic diversity in Kazakhstan have not reported so far. This study aimed to assess genetic diversity, compare patterns of differentiation, evaluate the relationship between genetic variation and ecological conditions in natural populations of both species. Genetic variability was assessed using the ISSR method, and statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Samples from six natural populations in southern Kazakhstan (three populations of P. pruinosa and three of P. euphratica) showed distinct interspecific differentiation and variable genetic diversity. P. pruinosa populations had higher allelic diversity (h = 0.114-0.153) and expected heterozygosity (0.107-0.139) than P. euphratica (h = 0.041-0.085). Greater genetic diversity in P. pruinosa indicates stronger adaptive potential to arid environments. A moderate correlation was found between genetic and geographic distances (r = 0.597). The findings highlight P. pruinosa superior ecological adaptability. Both species are recommended for targeted conservation and restoration of arid ecosystems in Kazakhstan.

The relevance of this study is driven by the increasing requirements for the energy efficiency and indoor comfort of residential and public buildings, particularly in regions with extreme climatic conditions characterized by substantial daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations. Effective management of heat transfer through building envelopes has become a key factor in reducing energy consumption and improving indoor comfort. This paper presents the results of an experimental–numerical investigation of the thermal behavior of an adaptive exterior wall system with a controllable air cavity. Steady-state and transient simulations were performed for three envelope configurations: a baseline design, a design with vertical air channels, and an adaptive configuration equipped with adjustable openings. Quantitative analysis showed that during the winter period, the adaptive configuration increases the interior surface temperature by 1.5–2.3 °C compared to the baseline design, resulting in a 12–18% reduction in the specific heat flux through the wall. In the summer period, the temperature of the exterior cladding decreases by 3–5 °C relative to the baseline, which reduces heat gains by 8–14% and lowers the cooling load. Additional analysis of temperature fields demonstrated that the presence of vertical air channels has a limited effect during winter: temperature differences at the surfaces do not exceed 1 °C. A similar pattern is observed in warm periods; however, due to controlled air circulation, the adaptive configuration provides an improved thermal regime. The results confirm the effectiveness of the adaptive wall system under the climatic conditions of southern Kazakhstan, characterized by high solar radiation and large diurnal temperature variations. The practical significance of the study lies in the potential application of adaptive façades to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings during both winter and summer seasons.

This study provides the first integrated characterization of soils associated with natural populations of Capparis herbacea Willd. in southern Kazakhstan. Field surveys and soil sampling were conducted in June-July 2023 across three contrasting sites: (Population 1, Sogeti Gorge), piedmont plain (Population 2, Merki), and semi-arid lowland (Population 3, Saryagash) environments. Standard profile descriptions and laboratory analyses followed national GOST and classical pedological methods. Across sites, soils were alkaline (pH 7.8-8.9) and carbonate-rich, with low humus (0.18-6.3%). Texture ranged from light loam (P1) to medium loam (P2) and sandy loam (P3); moisture distribution varied from higher values in mountain soils (up to 21.6%) to more uneven patterns in semi-arid lowlands (6.5-20.7%). Available macronutrients were generally limited: P2 showed near-absent phosphorus, while P3 had relatively higher potassium. Salinity contrasted sharply: P1-P2 non-saline (total salts ~0.037-0.062%), whereas P3 exhibited moderate to strong salinity (0.082-0.910%), with upper horizons moderately saline and deeper horizons strongly saline, dominated by sulfates and calcium ions. These findings represent the first base-line data on soils supporting Capparis herbacea Willd. in southern Kazakhstan. Capparis herbacea Willd. demonstrates strong ecological plasticity, tolerating both carbonate non-saline and sulfate-enriched saline soils. Its adaptability highlights potential for use as a soil quality indicator and in restoration of degraded lands in Central Asia.