Nikolai Ivanovich Smeyan (03.01.1932, v. Babichi, Rechitsk district, Gomel region – 12.10.2007), a scientist in the field of agro-soil science. Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (2003; correspondent member since 1989), Academician of the Academy of Agrarian Sciences of the Republic of Belarus (1992–2002), Doctor of Agricultural Sciences (1981), Professor (1990). Honored Scientist of the Republic of Belarus (2000).
Scientific research in the field of soil science, development of soil-ecological bases of adaptive farming systems in agriculture, rational use of soil resources. Developed a soil classification, theoretical foundations and practical techniques for increasing their productive capacity, compiled a soil map of Belarus on a scale of 1:600,000, performed soil-geographical zoning, developed a methodology for the qualitative assessment of soils, according to which, on the territory of Belarus, double-valuation works and cadastral valuation of arable established the degree of soil suitability for major crops, proposed methodological approaches to optimize the structure of sown areas and crop rotation. Comrade, conducted extensive studies on soil-ecological zoning. Theoretical developments are the scientific basis of environmental protection technologies in agriculture and find wide practical application in establishing specialization and concentration of agricultural production, creating the optimal structure of crops and crop rotations, increasing soil fertility, and protecting them from destruction.
Author of more than 400 scientific papers, incl. 8 monographs.
State Prize of the BSSR in 1976 for a series of works on the study of soils of Belarus, published in 1968-1974. Prize of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus in 2007.
Awarded with the Order "Badge of Honor" (1971), medals.