Von Thünen's Model of Land Use

Introduction

Review of Von Thünen's model of land use in the context of society.
Developed in 1826 by Von Thünen.
Key assumptions:
- Flat land.
- Single central market with equal access.
- Farmers aim to maximize profit.
- Uniform site characteristics across land.

Central Market
- Agricultural products are sold here.
First Ring: Dairy Farming and Horticulture
- Located closest to the market due to perishability.
- Formulated before cars and refrigeration, necessitating proximity for fast market access.
Second Ring: Forest
- Important historically for construction and heating.
- Proximity to market reduced transport costs due to heavy, bulky nature of lumber.
Third Ring: Grains and Field Crops
- Requires more land, thus located further out.
- Cheaper to transport as they are light and non-perishable.
Fourth Ring: Ranching and Livestock
- Requires extensive land.
- Livestock can be moved on foot to market, saving transport costs.
Beyond the Rings: Wilderness
- Too far from market for profitable agriculture.

Maximizing Profit
- Central theme of Von Thünen's model.
- Consideration of bid rent theory: land price decreases with distance from urban center.
- Transportation costs and land cost are crucial factors.

Forestry
- Replaced by other crops due to societal needs and transportation advancements.
Livestock Production
- Shift due to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) and agro-industrial practices, reducing land need.
Globalization and Trade
- Technological advances allow trade on global scale.
- Development of global supply chains and economies of scale.
- Influence on cultural and dietary changes.

Despite changes, Von Thünen's model was pioneering in understanding spatial layout in society.
Encouragement to practice understanding through questions provided in the content.
Invitation to engage with further resources for AP Human Geography.

Note: Consider subscribing for more educational content and join the community for additional support.