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Understanding the Von Thünen Model

May 6, 2025

The Von Thünen Model

Introduction

  • Developed by Johann Heinrich Von Thünen, a 19th-century Prussian farmer and geographer.
  • Explains the spatial arrangement of agriculture based on distance from a central market.
  • Focuses on perishability of products and transportation costs.

Importance

  • Addresses why certain agricultural practices occur in specific locations.
  • Provides a visual representation of agriculture through concentric circles.

Basic Concept

  • Key Decision Factors: Perishability and transportation costs.
  • Model Structure:
    • Central market (Central Business District, CBD) at the center.
    • Five concentric rings representing different types of agriculture.

The Five Rings

  1. First Ring - Intensive and Dairy Farming

    • Perishable goods (fruits, vegetables, milk) need quick transport.
    • Higher land costs near market offset by transportation savings.
  2. Second Ring - Forests and Timber

    • Wood is bulky and heavy, closer proximity lowers transportation costs.
    • Important during Von Thünen's time when wood was a primary building material.
  3. Third Ring - Grains and Cereals

    • Less bulky and perishable than dairy or timber.
    • Can be transported longer distances.
  4. Fourth Ring - Ranching and Livestock

    • Requires large land areas for grazing.
    • Located furthest from CBD due to lower land costs.

Limitations of the Model

  • Assumes:
    1. Single market or CBD access.
    2. Market in a self-sufficient state with no outside influence.
    3. Isotropic (completely flat) land.
    4. Single means of transportation (ox and cart).
  • Does not account for:
    • Specialty farming and climate influence.
    • Modern transportation methods (trains, ships, airplanes).
  • Despite limitations, it accurately predicts certain agricultural arrangements.

Application in Modern Context

  • When applied to the U.S., Von Thünen's model aligns fairly well with actual agricultural distribution.
  • Founders of the U.S. did not consciously use the model, but economic relationships influenced the spatial arrangement.

Relevance Today

  • Accurate in predicting locations of farmers' markets and community-supported agriculture in the 21st century.
  • Goods produced close to markets to avoid spoilage.

Conclusion

  • Von Thünen’s model remains relevant for understanding agricultural patterns.
  • Useful for predicting agricultural spatial arrangements despite historical and technological changes.

Additional Resources

  • Consider using review guides and resources for comprehensive understanding and exam preparation.