Soil morphological and physico-chemical characteristics of Zygophyllum fabago L. populations in the Ili-Balkhash Region of Kazakhstan

The present study investigates the morphological, physical, and chemical properties of soils in natural habitats of Zygophyllum fabago L. across three ecologically distinct populations in the Ile-Balkhash region of Kazakhstan. Soil samples were collected in August–September 2024 near Topar, Bakanas, and Miyaly villages, representing desert sandy and alluvial environments. Standard field profile descriptions and laboratory analyses were conducted following national GOST and classical pedological methods. Soils in all sites were characterized as weakly humus sandy or loamy sands with alkaline pH levels (8.4–8.9) and low organic carbon content (0.24–1.08%). Granulometric composition varied from sandy (Pop. 1) to loamy sand (Pop. 2 and 3), with moisture contents ranging from 3.9% to 7.6%. Mobile nutrients were present in low to moderate quantities, with potassium being relatively higher in Pop. 3. Heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb) were within permissible limits across all sites; however, cadmium (Cd) exceeded thresholds in total forms in Populations 2 and 3. Salt analysis revealed non-saline to moderately saline conditions, with increased salinity in surface horizons of Population 3. The results provide important baseline data for understanding the ecological amplitude of Z.fabago and assessing soil-plant interactions in arid ecosystems of Central Asia.