What was the main agricultural challenge faced by colonists in New England?

The primary agricultural challenge faced by colonists in New England was indeed the rocky soil and a harsh climate. New England's geography featured rugged terrain with rocky land that made large-scale farming difficult. The climate was also less favorable for agriculture, with shorter growing seasons and harsher winters compared to other regions, particularly the South. This environment limited the types of crops that could be grown effectively, leading to a predominance of subsistence farming practices, where families grew just enough to meet their own needs rather than cultivating surplus for trade.

In contrast, other options highlight issues that were not as pronounced in New England. Excessively fertile soil is not a characteristic of the New England region, which instead had less fertile conditions. Limited access to markets was more relevant to remote or developing areas rather than a significant challenge across all of New England. Overpopulation and land scarcity were also less of a concern in New England during the early colonial period, as the colonists had access to many lands for settlement despite the agricultural limitations they faced.