AP Human Geography
Agriculture & Rural Land Use
The von Thunen Model
STATE:
“A portion of each crop is eaten by the wheels!”- von Thunen. Germany, 1820’s.
Part I: Please read packet regarding von Thunen and his model of Agricultural Land Use. Once
you have read the packet, answer the following questions within your STATE group.
1. Identify and briefly discuss three factors which influence the choice of crops produced by
commercial farmers?
2. What is the significant connection of dairying to the idea that the commercial farmer needs to
have proximity to the market?
3. Which two costs is the commercial farmer most concerned with?
4. Explain why “distance to market” is so critical according to von Thunen?
5. According to von Thunen, there are SIX assumptions that need to be in place related to the
production of agricultural products. Pick any THREE and discuss using examples (past or
present) from class discussions and the attached texts where these assumptions may or may not be
valid?
6. Briefly describe which specific crops were produced in each ring of von Thunen’s model and
why they were located in the ring they were?
Part II: Collaborative Assignment (STATE group).
A. Using the provided white paper, draw an outline map of your new state. Make sure to include
all physical features. Once you have completed your outline map, designate a city to be your
central market (label it “M” for market city). In the margin of your map, label climates according
to your state (Cool/Cold, Mild, Hot)
B. Read the following information…
Problem: Analyzing aspects of von Thunen’s rent theory.
This exercise examines the effects of various costs, especially transportation costs and climate constraints,
on the spatial organization of agricultural activities located around a central market. This demonstrates the
APPLICABILITY of von Thunen’s rent theory to agricultural problems.
Do not be confused by the fact that the graphic model used for this activity shows FIVE rings and
NOT four. This is the case because you are looking at the viability of certain crops with regard to
distance in miles to market and associated climate factors, NOT directly related to the FOUR
specific zones setup by von Thunen in his Model!
In order to produce a map showing the distribution of crops within an area, three assumptions must be
considered:
1. This is an isolated region in which all agricultural produce are sold at a central market city.
2. The variety of crops is limited to dairy products, vegetables, corn, cotton and wheat due to
climatic and prevailing market conditions.
3. The farmers are rent-seekers (profit maximizers), that is, they will produce those products which
yield the greatest profit on their land.
a. Using the following formula for calculating economic rent:
ECONOMIC RENT (R) = E (p-a) – E f k
Where:
E = yield in units per acre
p = market price per unit of output
a = cost of production per unit per acre
f = transport cost per unit per mile
k = distance from the market in miles
…and the following cost data from agricultural activities, determine the rent for each of the
activities for each of the four distance zones (k = 2 miles, 4 miles, and so on).
C. Complete the cost data for agricultural activities to
(determine rent for each value of k)
A($) E
p
f
2mi
4mi
6mi
8mi
10mi
________________________________________________________________________
Cotton
.25
100
.60
.03
Wheat
.45
125
.65
.02
Dairy
.25
200
.55
.04
Corn
.20
300
.30
.01
Vegetables
.20
200
.70
.10
1. For that activity which yields the highest rent for a particular distance (for ex. Up to 2 miles)
check the environmental constraint table to see if temperature and precipitation permit it to exist
in that band or any part of it. Using the appropriate symbol for that activity, draw on the map
(provided white paper) that area where the activity should be found based upon its rent and
climate needs. If there is still unallocated space within the zone, go to the activity which yields
the next highest rent, check the environmental constraints for it and draw its symbol in the area
where the first activity cannot be produced. If there is still unallocated space, go to the next
highest rent yielding activity and so on until the zone is completely allocated with agricultural
activities. Please use pencil when labeling your agricultural activities.
Proceed to the next distance band (4 miles) and allocate land uses in the same manner until all
land uses are allocated. Do this for every one of the five distance bands until all the activities
have been allocated.
If two activities yield the same rent for a particular area and are permitted by climatic conditions
then insert both symbols to show that they both might be found there. If any of your calculations
produce a negative value for Rent, treat it as though it were zero.
Environmental Constraints:
Activity
Temperature
Precipitation
Cotton
Wheat
Dairy
Corn
Vegetables
Hot
Mild
Cool – Mild
Mild – Hot
Mild – Hot
30 - 55 inches
15 - 55 inches
25 - 55 inches
20 - 55 inches
20 - 48 inches
Use the graphic below as a rough draft for your model.
D. Answer the following questions after working through the collaborative (group) assignment:
1. In relation to the application of von Thunen’s model and associated assumptions, both past and
present:
a. From your reading, your collaborative analysis and associated interpretation, identify and
discuss a specific agricultural example in which the process of production to consumption
supports von Thunen’s assumptions noted from the reading and your associated
interpretation.
b. From your reading, your collaborative analysis and associated interpretation, identify and
discuss a specific agricultural example in which the process of production to consumption
does not support von Thunen’s assumptions noted from the reading and your associated
interpretation.
c. From your reading, your collaborative analysis and associated interpretation, does the process
of modern agribusiness and vertical integration support the premise of von Thunen’s
locational theory of agriculture?
Please keep in mind historical context when doing this analysis. I.e. Von Thunen suggested this
model approx. 180 years ago! Also, please try to give specific examples wherever you can.
Part III: See Mr. Copeland to draw your STATE Round 6 Fate. Whatever crops or livestock that
you select you may label and color on your von Thunen model map. Keep in mind your climate
determines what you are able to grow/raise. If your climate is not conducive, your fate is null and
void.