Final answer:
George Washington Carver's work in promoting alternative crops like peanuts and sweet potatoes greatly impacted the Southern economy by diversifying agriculture and improving soil quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discoveries of George Washington Carver had a significant impact on Southern agriculture and the economy. Carver, an African American scientist and inventor, is best known for his work in promoting alternative crops to cotton, such as peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans. These crops helped to diversify Southern agriculture and rejuvenate the soil, which had been depleted by years of cotton cultivation. His work provided new resources for the production of food and other products, crucial for the Southern economy. Carver's innovations also encouraged a more sustainable approach to agriculture in the South.