Which farming practice was likely introduced due to the Dust Bowl?

The introduction of crop rotation as a farming practice during the Dust Bowl period was a response to the severe soil erosion and degradation that resulted from traditional farming methods. The Dust Bowl, which occurred in the 1930s, highlighted the negative impact of continuous planting of the same crops without allowing for soil recovery.

Crop rotation involves alternating the types of crops grown in a specific area over different seasons or years. This practice improves soil health by varying the nutrient demands on the soil, breaking pest and disease cycles, and enhancing soil structure. During the Dust Bowl, many farmers recognized the need for sustainable practices that would restore the fertility of the land and prevent further erosion. Crop rotation not only helped to preserve soil quality but also contributed to more resilient agricultural systems, reducing the risk of similar disasters in the future.

In contrast, while practices like crop irrigation, the use of fertilizers, and the use of machinery may have been adapted or enhanced during this time, crop rotation directly addresses the specific issues that arose from the Dust Bowl conditions, making it a critical strategy for long-term agricultural recovery and sustainability.