Which factor primarily influences the extent of range land in Nebraska?

The extent of rangeland in Nebraska is primarily influenced by climate and soil types. Nebraska has a diverse climate that ranges from humid to semi-arid, which directly affects vegetation growth. The types of soils present in the state, such as sandy soils in the west and more fertile soils in the east, also determine the kinds of plants that can thrive.

This relationship between climate, which dictates precipitation patterns and temperature, and soil types, which provide the necessary nutrients for plant growth, shapes the rangeland's characteristics. Areas with suitable climate and soil conditions can support robust rangeland, while less favorable conditions can lead to a reduction in vegetative cover.

In contrast, proximity to urban areas, while it can influence land use decisions, does not inherently impact the ability of the land to sustain rangeland. Similarly, while availability of water resources is important, it does not take precedence over the foundational aspects of climate and soil types in determining the extent of rangeland. Technological advances may improve management practices on existing rangeland but do not directly influence land area allocation as climate and soil do.