Yakov Nikitovich Afanasyev (21.10.1877, Balashov, Saratov region, Russia – 20.12.1937), soil scientist. Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (1928), Doctor of Geologo-Mineralogical Sciences (1934), Professor (1921).
Conducted soil research, compiled the first soil map of the BSSR. Author of works on increasing yields in various soil regions of Belarus, combating excessive moisture in soils.
Published more than 30 scientific papers, including 4 monographs.