Abstract
Pastures play a crucial role in agriculture under harsh climatic conditions and limited availability of nutrients. Pasture lands of Western Kazakhstan account for nearly half of the total pasture area of the republic. During the Soviet period, more than 50% of the pastures in these regions were provided with watering systems, with groundwater serving as the main source. This article presents the results of scientific and practical studies aimed at substantiating measures for pasture watering in the Aktobe region to ensure the sustainable development of livestock farming. Materials and methods. The main objective of the study is to assess the suitability of groundwater for pasture watering. Field investigations included water sampling from operating wells and boreholes, mapping of watering points, and assessment of the degree of wear of water intake facilities. The results indicate the presence of significant reserves of fresh and slightly saline groundwater suitable for livestock use. At the same time, the water supply system was found to be in unsatisfactory condition: most wells require reconstruction, and the level of mechanization remains low. The feasibility of restoring water intake structures and implementing modern approaches to groundwater resource management is substantiated in order to ensure the sustainable development of pasture-based livestock farm ing. Results and discussion. An analysis of pasture load by districts of the region revealed signs of ecosystem recovery and made it possible to determine the degree of impact of anthropogenic factors on their condition. Conclusions. The resource potential of groundwater makes it possible to address the tasks of pasture watering and to ensure water supply for the entire livestock population that can be maintained in the studied area.
01 Introduction
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02 References
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