In the context of the transition to sustainable agriculture in Kazakhstan, the article considers one of its forms—organic farming. The adopted laws and by-laws not only have not contributed to but have also significantly hindered the development of organic farming due to the complexity of their implementation in the Kazakh legal field. The activities of Kazakhstani public organizations, deprived of any state support, are symbolic in nature. The absolute instability of organic production, the multidirectional long-term dynamics of the area of organic land and the cost yield of the products are demonstrated. The lack of demand for organic farming products among the population of Kazakhstan is due to socio-economic determinants, the dominance of livestock products in the nutrition structure of the indigenous population, only a small part of the inhabitants of megacities being the main consumers of any organic products, the exorbitant share of food costs and the high premium of organic products. The reasons for the ecological and economic instability of organic farming are the extensive development model, the lack of subsidiary obligations of the state and the zero-marginal cost of the export product. Conservative, utilitarian and innovative ways of developing organic farming are proposed.

This study is aimed at a comprehensive assessment of the chemical composition of surface waters in the Turkestan region and their impact on regional landscapes. The primary objective of the research is to systematically evaluate the level of chemical pollution in the region’s water resources and determine its indirect effects on landscape-ecological stability. In August 2024, water samples from eight sampling points (S1–S8) were analyzed for 24 physicochemical parameters, including total hardness (mg*eq/L), pH, dry residue (mg/L), electrical conductivity (µS/cm), total salinity (mg/L), Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Ti, Fe, Pb, Cu, Mg, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Zn, SO₄²⁻, and C₆H₅OH. To determine the degree of pollution, variational-statistical analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), as well as the calculation of the OIP, NPI, and HPI indices were performed. For land use and land cover change (LULC) analysis, LULC classification was carried out based on Landsat data from 2000 to 2020, forming the basis for land resource management and planning. The research results showed a deterioration in the ecological condition of water resources and an increasing anthropogenic impact. Specifically, at point S8, the concentration of Al was found to be 56 times higher than the maximum allowable limit, while the concentration of Fe was 42 times higher. High levels of pollution were also recorded at points S1, S4, S5, and S6, where the increase in Al and Na concentrations caused a sharp rise in the OIP value. The main factors influencing water pollution include industrial effluents, agricultural waste, and irrigation drainage waters. The pollution’s negative impact on regional landscapes has led to issues related to the distribution of vegetation, soil fertility, and landscape stability. To improve the current ecological situation and restore natural balance, the phytoremediation method is proposed. The research results will serve as the foundation for developing water resource management strategies for the Turkestan region and making informed decisions aimed at ensuring ecological sustainability.

Turkestan region is located in the south of Kazakhstan and is one of the industrially and agri-culturally developed regions of the republic. As the intensity of nature management in Turkestan region increases, pollution occurs under the influence of anthropogenic factors. Taking into account anthropogenic factors, the composition of chemical elements of the soil cover in genetic layers was studied in typical natural areas of the landscape system; and soil sections were made to determine the composition. The concentrations of chemical elements (C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Pb, As, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, V, Tl, Mn, and Sr) were analyzed based on the results of the analysis of samples from soil sections. The amount of chemical elements of the soil cover was determined using the Spectroscan MAX GF-2E device. The obtained data were statistically processed using the Microsoft Excel program. Chemical analysis of the soil cover (Pb, Cu, Zn, As, and Cr) showed that the chemical elements exceed the maximum allowable concentration. The results of the study are the basis for developing recommendations for solving problems related to the pollution of landscapes due to the impact of anthropogenic factors on the soil cover.

This study is aimed at a comprehensive assessment of the chemical composition of surface waters in the Turkestan region and their impact on regional landscapes. The primary objective of the research is to systematically evaluate the level of chemical pollution in the region's water resources and determine its indirect effects on landscape-ecological stability. In August 2024, water samples from eight sampling points (S1–S8) were analyzed for 24 physicochemical parameters, including total hardness (mg*eq/L), pH, dry residue (mg/L), electrical conductivity (µS/cm), total salinity (mg/L), Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Ti, Fe, Pb, Cu, Mg, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Zn, SO₄²⁻, and C₆H₅OH. To determine the degree of pollution, variational-statistical analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), as well as the calculation of the OIP, NPI, and HPI indices were performed. For land use and land cover change (LULC) analysis, LULC classification was carried out based on Landsat data from 2000 to 2020, forming the basis for land resource management and planning. The research results showed a deterioration in the ecological condition of water resources and an increasing anthropogenic impact. Specifically, at point S8, the concentration of Al was found to be 56 times higher than the maximum allowable limit, while the concentration of Fe was 42 times higher. High levels of pollution were also recorded at points S1, S4, S5, and S6, where the increase in Al and Na concentrations caused a sharp rise in the OIP value. The main factors influencing water pollution include industrial effluents, agricultural waste, and irrigation drainage waters. The pollution's negative impact on regional landscapes has led to issues related to the distribution of vegetation, soil fertility, and landscape stability. To improve the current ecological situation and restore natural balance, the phytoremediation method is proposed. The research results will serve as the foundation for developing water resource management strategies for the Turkestan region and making informed decisions aimed at ensuring ecological sustainability.

Natural gypsum, which is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, is attracting renewed interest due to its environmental compatibility and its numerous applications in construction and related industries. This study investigates the geological, technological, and industrial potential of natural gypsum, emphasizing its role in sustainable construction. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the formation conditions of gypsum-bearing strata across key geological epochs, particularly the Permian, Triassic, and Miocene, highlighting patterns in their spatial and temporal distribution both globally and within Kazakhstan. These findings were integrated with a case analysis of the Shert gypsum-anhydrite deposit in southern Kazakhstan. Methodologically, the study is based on archival geological maps, borehole data, and technical-economic reports to assess the lithological structure, mineral composition, and resource viability. The results confirm the presence of high-purity gypsum (over 84% CaSO₄·2H₂O), low groundwater inflow, and consistent economic profitability. This makes the deposit suitable for producing construction materials such as gypsum boards, plaster, and sulfate-resistant cement. The study concludes that the link between paleogeographic conditions and mineral quality has practical implications for material selection and sustainable resource development. These findings could provide a framework for evaluating similar deposits and optimizing the use of natural gypsum in environmentally conscious engineering practices.

This study focuses on analyzing the long-term development of landscapes in the Turkestan region and the impact of climate change on regional landscapes. Through palynological and stratigraphic analyses, the influence of climatic fluctuations on plant communities and landscape structure from the Oligocene to the Holocene was identified. The research revealed that the vegetation cover in the Turkestan region has developed adaptation mechanisms to cope with climatic changes. It was determined that the current landscapes of the Turkestan region were shaped as a result of historical climatic instabilities, forming the foundation for the resilience of the region's vegetation. The findings enhance our understanding of the evolution of regional landscapes and provide insights into developing strategies for sustainable adaptation to climate change. It has been established that the present-day landscapes of the Turkestan region formed as a result of adaptation to historical climatic changes. These findings are essential for devising strategies for preserving regional vegetation cover and ensuring sustainable adaptation to climate change. The results obtained deepen our understanding of the landscape evolution and resilience mechanisms in the Turkestan region, providing a basis for assessing the region’s future ecological stability.