Von Thunen Model: Advantages and Limitations [AP Human Geography Unit 5 Topic 8]

Summary

In this video, the presenter explores von Thünen's model of land use, first proposed in 1826, which analyzes how land is utilized in relation to market access. The model demonstrates how land prices and transportation costs influence the placement of different agricultural activities, such as dairy farming, forestry, grain crops, and livestock. While parts of the model remain relevant today, modern advances in technology, transportation, and globalization have shifted agricultural practices and locations. Despite these changes, von Thünen's model remains a foundational concept in understanding the spatial distribution of land use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Von Thünen's model of land use, proposed in 1826, explains how land is utilized for agriculture based on proximity to a central market.
• 😀 The model assumes flat land, a single market, equal access to that market, and similar site characteristics for all land.
• 😀 The closer a product is to the market, the more expensive land is, but transportation costs are reduced.
• 😀 Dairy farming and horticulture are located near the market because these goods are perishable and require quick transport.
• 😀 The forest is located in the second ring of the model because lumber was crucial for heating, building, and cooking, though it is no longer relevant today.
• 😀 The bid rent theory explains why land is more expensive closer to the market, and cheaper farther away, influencing agricultural decisions.
• 😀 Farmers maximize profits by considering both land cost and transportation costs, which can make farther locations more expensive despite cheaper land.
• 😀 Grains and field crops are located farther from the market because they are less perishable and require large areas of land, making them more affordable to grow in more distant locations.
• 😀 Livestock farming occurs in the outermost ring, as it requires large land areas for grazing, and livestock can be walked to the market, minimizing transport costs.
• 😀 Some parts of Von Thünen's model, like the forest ring, no longer hold due to advancements in transportation, society's changing needs, and shifts in agricultural practices like CAFOs and industrial farming.

Q & A

What are the key assumptions of von Thünen's model?

Von Thünen's model assumes that land is flat, there is one single market, all land has equal access to the market, farmers aim to maximize profit, and all land has similar site characteristics.

Why did von Thünen place dairy farming and horticulture closest to the market?

Dairy farming and horticulture were placed closest to the market because these goods are perishable and require quick transport. Before refrigeration and modern transportation, these products needed to reach the market quickly to avoid spoilage.

How does von Thünen's model reflect the concept of 'bid rent' theory?

Von Thünen's model reflects bid rent theory by showing how land costs increase as you get closer to the market. The price of land near urban areas or markets is higher, encouraging intensive commercial agriculture, while land farther away is cheaper, making it suitable for extensive agriculture.

What is the importance of transportation costs in von Thünen's model?

Transportation costs play a crucial role in von Thünen's model because they affect the profitability of farming operations. If transportation costs are too high, it becomes more economical to locate closer to the market despite higher land costs, as in the case of lumber or perishable products.

Why did von Thünen place lumber production in the second ring of his model?

Lumber was placed in the second ring because it is bulky and difficult to transport over long distances. Placing it closer to the market helped reduce transportation costs, which were significant at the time before modern transport and refrigeration.

How does the 'extensive vs. intensive' agricultural model apply to von Thünen's theory?

In von Thünen's model, intensive agriculture, which requires smaller amounts of land and higher transport costs (e.g., dairy farming), is found closer to the market. Extensive agriculture, which uses larger land areas and has lower transport costs (e.g., grain farming), is found further away from the market.

Why are livestock farms located farther away from the market in von Thünen's model?

Livestock farms are located farther away from the market because livestock requires a large amount of land to graze, and the land is cheaper the farther from the market. Additionally, livestock can be walked to the market, reducing transportation costs.

How have advancements in transportation impacted von Thünen's model?

Advancements in transportation have reduced the costs of moving goods like lumber or grain over long distances, making it less essential to locate production close to the market. This has altered von Thünen's model, especially in terms of where certain agricultural activities are placed.

What is the significance of the 'Wilderness' zone in von Thünen's model?

The Wilderness zone represents areas too far from the market for commercial agriculture to be profitable. These areas are unutilized for farming due to high transportation costs and lack of economic feasibility.

How have modern agricultural practices, such as CAFOs, influenced von Thünen's model?

Modern agricultural practices like CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) have reduced the amount of land required for livestock farming. This shift, along with industrial farming methods, has altered the spatial arrangement of agricultural activities that von Thünen originally proposed.