The optimal depth of the groundwater table and the water-salt regime is of importance in the postmeliorative period. The scope of these studies is to provide scientifically grounded assessment of previously reclaimed soils (water irrigation with a total norm of 5000 m 3 /ha under conditions of deep horizontal drainage, 1986-1989) in the postmeliorative period of 2015-2016 and to develop parameters for forecasting their meliorative regime. This work was conducted with the use of traditional ground-based methods of soil research. As a result of the research, data were obtained that allow assessing the water-salt regime, groundwater levels, their mineralization, as well as changes in the physical and hydrophysical properties of the previously reclaimed meadow solonchaks under natural conditions and under alfalfa in the background of deep, horizontal drainage and developing soil biota control techniques, including improvement of the meliorative state of the soil and indicators of their effective fertility.

The article examines the degraded pastures of carbonate chestnut soils of the dry steppe of Kazakhstan and gives their detailed assessment. Physical (soil), biological (plant) indicators and geoinformation monitoring of dry steppe pastures based on satellite data of medium and low resolution are presented. Based on the results of GIS technologies and field studies, a cartographic model of the degree of degradation of dry steppe pastures is presented. The article also indicates the possibilities of scientifically grounded and developed measures for the practical solution of the most difficult problems of conservation and rational use of natural forage resources of pasture territories, which will contribute to the strengthening and expansion of agricultural production in general. The introduction of research results into production is an irreplaceable basis for the effective use of pastures, their restoration and improvement in the development of animal husbandry in the country.