After slavery was abolished, most white southern planters decided
to switch industries.
needed a new system of labor.
experimented with different crops.
divided up land ownership.

  Needed a new system of labor.

Explanation:

  After the Civil War began the age known as Reconstruction Era. The Southern faced a difficult task. They had to develop a new system to replace the slaves.

  It was hard for the planters to adjust over the new laws. They were not accustomed to the opposition of the free people. They were used to had all the control on their plantations.

  I hope this answer helps you.

b. andrew