Optimizing microbiological techniques for strengthening sandy and eroded soils to combat desertification

Bauyrzhan Zhanatayev¹, Zina Tungushbayeva¹, Zhuzzan Kuralay², Gulzhan Taneeva² & Zhanat Bukharbayeva^1
1Department of Biology, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty 050010, Republic of Kazakhstan.
²Department of Molecular Biology and Medical Genetics, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty 050000, Republic of Kazakhstan.
Corresponding author e-mail: zha.bukhar@gmail.com

This study investigates microbiological methods for reinforcing sandy and eroded soils to mitigate desertification effectively. The research was carried out on sandy soil samples collected from arid regions, assessing their vulnerability to erosion and degradation. The focus is on microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation and microbial polysaccharide production, which enhance soil cohesion and mechanical stability. Selected bacterial strains, including Bacillus cereus, facilitated calcium carbonate deposition and biopolymer formation, improving soil structure and stability. Experiments conducted in laboratory settings and field trials demonstrated that these microbial techniques significantly bolster soil resistance to erosion by increasing cohesion through mineral precipitation and biopolymer-induced aggregation. Comparative analysis with conventional stabilisation methods, such as mechanical anchoring, afforestation, and geotextile applications, indicates the superior sustainability and cost-efficiency of microbiological approaches. The introduction of specialised microbial communities enhances soil stability, nitrogen fixation, and organic matter decomposition, improving soil fertility. Additionally, polysaccharide-producing bacteria promote durable soil aggregation, essential for long-term desertification control. The results from both laboratory and field tests confirm the feasibility of scaling microbiological soil stabilisation technologies for practical implementation, highlighting their potential for environmentally sustainable sil management.

biological consolidation, biocement, calcium carbonate deposition, microbial stabilisation, erosion control, desertification mitigation.