A Level History - America - Practice Exam

How did the agricultural industry manage to increase output despite taking farmland out of production?

1. Through innovations in equipment and technology

2. By reducing labor costs significantly

3. By increasing the price of goods

4. It remained unchanged during this period

The correct answer is: Through innovations in equipment and technology

The correct choice highlights how innovations in equipment and technology played a crucial role in boosting agricultural output, even as some farmland was taken out of production. During various periods in American history, particularly during the 20th century, advancements such as tractors, plows, and harvesting machinery transformed farming practices. These innovations allowed for greater efficiency and productivity, meaning that less land could be used more effectively to produce the same, or even higher, yields. For instance, technologies like irrigation systems and genetically modified crops have enabled farmers to maximize production on the land they do cultivate. Precision agriculture, utilizing GPS and data analytics, also allows for the optimization of inputs such as water, fertilizer, and pesticides, further enhancing crop yields without necessarily expanding the area of farmland. Other options might imply a focus on cost-cutting or market manipulation, but the transformation in agricultural productivity largely stems from technological advancements rather than solely economic strategies or the stability of farmland usage. By focusing on equipment and technological evolution, we see a clear pathway through which the agricultural sector addressed challenges and increased its output.