Unrenowned facts of scientifc heritage of O.O. Izmailsky (devoted to the 170th birth anniversary)

O.O. Izmailsky was the frst to cover issue of origin Ukrainian steppes, their development stage, causes droughts. The scientist developed scientifcally substantiated complex organizational, agrotechnical and reclamation measures fght droughts further implemented them in agricultural practice. experimentalist has shown that are not caused by climate, particular, annual amount precipitation, but rather nature (cultural condition) feld surface soil structure. He pointed out need for snow retention, effective its implementation which relevant today: fallows, mulching, cutting shafts with plows, etc. recommended using artesian wells, artifcial relief creation, slopes terracing, dams afforestation resist drought. led supporters deep plowing promoted farms Poltava Kherson oblasts. scientists warned human careless attitude progressing drying steppes might result turning it into a barren desert near future. proposed organize wide network research felds stations throughout Ukraine order address pressing issues agriculture. established link between deflationary processes. One scientist’s immortal merits is his correct concluding inability sprayer, unstructured dusty absorb, accumulate give back water nitrogen ash nutrition elements plants cause draughts hence crop failures southern oblasts than sum precipitation falls during year. proved support loose state deepening arable layer set erosion. considered climate change main reason depletion water. retention plays an important role regime improving ability, moisture capacity, structural condition, permeability other agrophysical properties, along mulching plant residues. also explained reasons more humid domestic past. ways create sustainable, environmentally friendly, economically viable agriculture adapted steppe landscapes largest extent. Key words: steppe, droughts, soil, humidity, agriculture, cultural cultivation.