The article reveals the process of accumulating natural knowledge within the framework that outlines the historical prerequisites, construction and prospective functionality of the Dnieper HPP. Using the methodological tools of historical research, certain theoretical and methodological aspects and features of scientific and organizational support for the construction of a hydroelectric power station on the Dnieper River in 1927–1939 were recreated, which was what our search goal envisaged. The scientific achievements of prominent natural scientists on the problem of arid southern lands and the achievements of domestic scientists on various issues of using the Dnieper HPP in the agricultural sector were analyzed.

It was established that the Dnieper steppes belong to the southeastern strip, where numerous droughts have long caused crop losses. However, the presence of fertile soils and a warm climate indicated the priority of the agricultural sector in the region, the ability to overcome the negative impact by developing certain agronomic measures. At the end of the 19th century, outstanding works of natural scientists V. Dokuchaev, P. Kostychev, O. Izmailsky, V. Rotmistrov and others appeared. Researchers managed to substantiate the true causes of drought, methods and techniques for their prevention, etc. At the beginning of the 20th century, engineers proposed numerous projects for the construction of the Dnieper Hydroelectric Power Plant, which were practically implemented by the Soviet authorities in 1927–1939. The grandiose construction of a hydroelectric power plant on the Dnieper River took place with the participation of foreign specialists, domestic scientists and other segments of society. The Dnieper Hydroelectric Power Plant was built without taking into account environmental, financial, local historical and other factors, which made it possible to obtain cheap electricity, improve navigation on the river, and contributed to the establishment of heavy industry, hydraulic engineering and land reclamation. Scientific developments of scientists intensified the organization and further development of irrigated agriculture in Ukraine.

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