Final answer:
The north central hills region developed a diverse economy due to its unsuitability for a plantation system, resulting in a varied array of smaller-scale farming and other economic activities. Over time, ecological challenges like the Dust Bowl forced adaptation and diversification in land use.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diverse economy in the north central hills region can be attributed particularly to agricultural practices and ecological factors in the region. The land did not support a plantation system due to its poor drainage and fertility loss over time. Instead, farmers engaged in diverse smaller-scale farming and other economic activities. Factors such as the Dust Bowl triggered by a combination of drought and unsuitable farming practices changed the landscape and its agricultural productivity. Communities had to adapt and seek out various ways to use the land that did not rely solely on plantation crops like tobacco, cotton, and rice, which was typical in other regions. The shift away from monoculture allowed for a broader range of economic activities, contributing to the region’s economic diversity.
Moreover, as the land was less suitable for crops that thrive in more fertile soils, such as corn and soybeans, wheat became the prevalent crop in regions like the Dakotas and parts of Texas, according to statistics from the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. Again, due to the conditions of the soil and occasional changes in crop prices, farmers were incentivized to switch up their crops to maintain economic viability. Variability in climate, soil quality, and economic prospects outside traditional agriculture required a diversified approach to land use and economic activity in the north central hills region.