Question

which of these activities doomed the plains to soil erosion?
removing the sod
planting cash crops
letting fields lie fallow
using plows

Explanation:

To determine which activity caused soil erosion in the Plains, we analyze each option:

• Removing the sod: Sod (grass and roots) holds soil. Removing it exposes soil to wind and water, increasing erosion.
• Planting cash crops: Can be managed, not inherently erosive if practices like rotation are used.
• Letting fields lie fallow: Allows soil to recover, reduces erosion.
• Using plows: Modern plows can be less erosive, but the key here is that removing sod (the protective grass layer) was a major factor in the Dust Bowl - era erosion, as it left soil unprotected.

Answer:

A. removing the sod