AP Human Geography: Unit 5 - Agriculture

Introduction

• Unit 5 focuses on agriculture in AP Human Geography.
• Importance of understanding agriculture across different climates and geographical areas.
• Technological advancements reducing barriers to food production.

Agriculture and Climate

• Tropical Climates:
  • Found in Indonesia, and African countries near the equator.
  • Common products: Coffee, sugar, pineapple.
• Subtropical Climates:
  • Present in West Indies, parts of Indonesia.
  • Common products: Rice, cotton, tobacco.
• Grasslands and Continental Steppe:
  • Regions include Mongolia, Western USA, Northern Africa.
  • Common products: Cattle, sheep, goats, horses, camels.
• Mediterranean Climates:
  • Found in California, Chile, around the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Common products: Grapes, olives, dates.
• Warm Mid-Latitude Climates:
  • Locations: Southern China, Southern USA.
  • Common products: Vegetables, fruits, rice.
• Cold Mid-Latitude Climates:
  • Regions: North central USA, Southern Canada, Eastern Europe.
  • Common products: Wheat, barley, livestock, dairy cows.

Technological Advancements in Agriculture

• Use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides to increase crop yield.
• Genetic modification for faster and larger growth in new environments.
• New farming methods: Greenhouses, vertical farming, community gardens.
• Advanced irrigation, GPS, and GIS technologies.
• Example of environmental possibilism.

Agricultural Practices

Intensive Agricultural Practices

• Characteristics:
  • Require less land but more capital and labor.
  • Located near large population centers.
• Examples:
  • Plantation Agriculture:
    • Common in periphery countries and former colonies in tropical climates.
    • Focus on cash crops: Coffee, sugar, tobacco, tea.
    • Often run by companies from economically advanced countries.
  • Mixed Crop and Livestock Agriculture:
    • Found in economically developed countries.
    • Crops like corn and soybeans used to feed livestock.
  • Market Gardening (Truck Farms):
    • Located in areas with longer growing seasons, e.g., Southeastern USA.
    • Grow fresh fruits and vegetables, often harvested by migrant labor.

Extensive Agricultural Practices

• Characteristics:
  • Require more land, less labor, and capital.
  • Typically located away from population centers.
• Examples:
  • Shifting Cultivation:
    • Found in tropical climates (Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia).
    • Land is cleared, used till nutrient depletion, then left fallow.
  • Nomadic Herding:
    • Central/Southwest Asia, Northern Africa.
    • Herders move with animals (cattle, sheep, goats) within geographic bounds.
  • Ranching:
    • Located in areas unsuitable for traditional farming, often remote to reduce land costs.

Conclusion

• Review questions provided for students.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more educational resources.