Few maps. I hope it will be useful.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f158/Xeo_the_Fox/Figure-1_zpsnj2d4ckc.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f158/Xeo_the_Fox/htmlconvd-kwUKiW_html_1edb67ae_zpsxrgzhrfx.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f158/Xeo_the_Fox/regional_-_cacilm_-_Growing_Period_-_thumbnail_-_BPI1_A3_zps1lwpiw8h.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f158/Xeo_the_Fox/WBAsiaClimate_zpshyjvhtrx.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f158/Xeo_the_Fox/zony2_zpskei9bc2b.gif)
P.S.: Bigest part of desert zone of Kazakhstan it`s not the sandy place. There are solonchak (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solonchak) (like salt marshes) and quick-drying grass. Bushes and small trees near water.
(http://img.relax.ru/46258/9507870328527445_8f65cf83.jpg)
(http://s.drom.ru/1/pubs/4483/22605/903247.jpg)
(https://im3-tub-kz.yandex.net/i?id=32c422f6fef4188caee5f28bbbc143ad&n=33&h=215&w=323)
Norh Caspian area (close to sea) have lot of sor (shor) it`s like solonchak but more wet.
Photo from my expedition (north of caspian region:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f158/Xeo_the_Fox/SAM_0275_zps53py2yv3.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f158/Xeo_the_Fox/SAM_0105_zpstfbrqyxj.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f158/Xeo_the_Fox/SAM_0476_zpsl4081kv1.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f158/Xeo_the_Fox/SAM_0272_zpsalhmnem4.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f158/Xeo_the_Fox/SAM_0163_zpsy7qgpwbo.jpg)
Ustyurt (http://www.spletnik.ru/blogs/vokrug_sveta/86927_zagadki-plato-ustyurt) and Mangyshlak (http://www.silkadv.com/ru/node/878)