Priority directions for the rational use of land resources: a case study of Northern Kazakhstan

The goal is to study the main factors influencing the rational use of land resources and the impact of regional specificities on the development of agricultural sectors, in order to form sustainable land use in rural areas. Methods – statistical, systemic, and comprehensive approaches served as the methodological foundation for the effective turnover of agricultural land; comparative analysis, subject-logical, and economic-statistical methods were used to process data on the land fund of the North Kazakhstan Region. Results – land cultivation optimization was considered from the perspective of understanding scientifically based indicators influencing the efficient use of natural-resource potential, such as the allocation of crop areas on agricultural lands considering soil fertility and legal regulation. A key condition motivating land users to improve land productivity in the long term is the use of land according to its intended purpose. It is noted that many of the problems arising during the creation of effective farming mechanisms stem from imperfect ecological-economic relations, disregard for ecosystem approaches, extensive agricultural practices, and deficiencies in land plot monitoring systems. Particular attention is given to issues of wind and water degradation and the urgency of radical measures to combat these phenomena. Conclusions – it is important to maintain and improve the quality characteristics of soil that affect crop yields. Stability of external land boundaries, land rights, and internal land-use organization are objective conditions for legal regulation of land ownership. According to the authors, the technological security of land areas is reflected not only in their layout and energy infrastructure but also in the availability of agricultural machinery to ensure full land utilization.