Question

why was the great plains attractive to settlers in the 1800s, even though it was sometimes referred to as the \great american desert\?
the plains indians had deserted the area, making the land available.
the sandy soil was good for growing certain kinds of plants.
even though it was very dry, settlers wanted to raise cattle there.
new inventions enabled farmers to use the soil more productively.

Explanation:

In the 1800s, new inventions like the steel - plow and barbed wire made it possible for farmers to break up the tough sod and protect their land, thus using the soil more productively. This was a major factor in the Great Plains' attractiveness to settlers despite its dry conditions and previous reputation as a desert - like area. The Plains Indians did not abandon the area en masse, the sandy soil was not a major draw, and while cattle - raising was a factor, the key was the new farming inventions.

Answer:

D. New inventions enabled farmers to use the soil more productively