b) Dry farming

In the arid regions of the Great Plains, settlers adopted an innovative farming technique known as dry farming. This method was crucial for cultivating crops in areas with limited rainfall. Dry farming involves the careful conservation of soil moisture and the selection of drought-resistant crops. Techniques such as deep plowing, frequent cultivation to prevent soil crusting, and crop rotation were employed to maximize water retention in the soil. This approach allowed agriculture to flourish in an otherwise challenging environment, demonstrating the adaptability and ingenuity of settlers in the face of environmental obstacles.