1. AP Human Geography Agriculture and Rural Land Use Unit
Von Thünen’s Model
AP Human Geography
Agriculture and Rural Land Use Unit

2. For today, 03/21
Get out a sheet of paper for notes and label it “Von Thünen’s Model”
Ag Around the World projects are due first thing Thursday
Chapter 10 Quiz on Friday – use your packets if you like
Mr. Clark’s home-slice, Johann Heiney

3. Major Underlying Assumptions:
Von Thünen’s Model, 1826
Maximum Profitability:
1. Land costs
2. Transportation costs
R = Y ( p – c ) – Y Fm
For you math nerds: R=land rent; Y=yield per unit of land; c=production expenses per unit of commodity; p=market price per unit of commodity; F=freight rate (per agricultural unit, per mile); m=distance to market
Major Underlying Assumptions:
1.) city is in “Isolated State” and has no foreign influence
2.) uniform soil/surface in each direction
3.) one market dominates
4.) no roads – walk, oxcart goods to market

4. Von Thünen’s Model
X = intensive, higher-transport costs, perishable goods
Y = extensive, lower transport costs, fewer perishable goods, Y X

5. Bid Rent and Concentric Zones

8. Von Thünen and the United States

9. Von Thünen’s Model’s a little outdated:
Refrigeration and food preservation
Not all agricultural products are used for food
Regional and global markets
Increased transportation
Decreased need for forests
Government policies