Final answer:
Southern agriculture in the United States relied on cash crops with large-scale farming using enslaved labor before the Civil War. After the abolition of slavery, sharecropping and tenant farming became prevalent, and the crop diversity expanded. Today, southern agriculture is diverse and includes livestock farming, poultry production, and specialty crops.
Step-by-step explanation:
Southern Agriculture
Southern agriculture refers to the farming practices and crops cultivated in the southern region of the United States. Before the Civil War, the economy of the southern states heavily relied on agriculture, particularly the production of cash crops such as cotton, tobacco, rice, and sugarcane. Plantations were common in the South, where large-scale farming with enslaved labor was prevalent.
After the abolition of slavery, southern agriculture underwent significant changes. Sharecropping and tenant farming emerged as primary labor systems, where small farmers rented land and paid a portion of their crop to landowners as rent. The crop diversity expanded to include other commodities like peanuts, soybeans, and citrus fruits. Mechanization and technological advancements also transformed the agricultural practices in the South.
Today, while still an important industry in the South, agriculture has become more diversified. Livestock farming, poultry production, and specialty crops have gained prominence alongside traditional crops. Factors like climate, soil fertility, and market demands significantly influence the agricultural practices and economic contributions of the southern region.
Learn more about Southern Agriculture