Intensity of cultivation

Definition

Intensity of cultivation refers to the degree to which land is used to produce agricultural goods, reflecting the amount of labor, capital, and resources invested in farming activities. This concept is crucial for understanding agricultural land use patterns and how different types of farming are situated in relation to urban areas based on the Von Thunen Model.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Higher intensity of cultivation typically occurs closer to urban markets due to the higher demand for fresh produce and perishable goods.
2. Intensive farming methods involve significant inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation systems to maximize crop yields on smaller plots of land.
3. As one moves further from the city center, the intensity of cultivation usually decreases, leading to extensive farming practices such as ranching or grain production.
4. The Von Thunen Model illustrates how transportation costs affect the type of farming practiced at varying distances from a market, with more intensive methods closer to urban areas.
5. Regions with high population densities often experience a greater intensity of cultivation due to increased competition for land and resources, driving farmers to maximize productivity.

Review Questions

• How does the intensity of cultivation influence the types of crops grown near urban areas according to the Von Thunen Model?
  • The intensity of cultivation significantly impacts the types of crops grown near urban areas as farmers aim to maximize profits by producing high-value crops that require quick transportation to markets. As outlined in the Von Thunen Model, closer proximity to urban centers supports intensive agriculture practices focused on perishable goods like fruits and vegetables, while further out, where transportation costs increase, extensive farming methods dominate. This shift reflects both economic considerations and logistical challenges faced by farmers.
• Discuss how variations in intensity of cultivation affect agricultural sustainability and environmental impact.
  • Variations in intensity of cultivation can have profound implications for agricultural sustainability and environmental impact. Intensive farming practices often lead to higher yields but can result in soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased chemical runoff into local ecosystems. In contrast, extensive cultivation may preserve certain ecological features but can yield lower productivity. Understanding this balance is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural strategies that minimize environmental harm while meeting food production needs.
• Evaluate the role of market price fluctuations in shaping the intensity of cultivation in agricultural regions.
  • Market price fluctuations play a critical role in determining the intensity of cultivation within agricultural regions. When prices for certain crops rise, farmers may respond by increasing investment in labor and inputs to intensify production on available land. Conversely, declining prices can lead farmers to reduce their intensity or switch to less resource-intensive crops. This dynamic interaction between market conditions and cultivation practices highlights how economic factors influence agricultural decisions, shaping both local economies and food systems.

Related terms

Von Thunen Model: A theoretical framework that explains the distribution of agricultural activities around a central market based on transportation costs and land use.

Agricultural Land Use: The various ways in which land is utilized for agriculture, including crop production, livestock grazing, and other farming practices.

Market Price: The amount of money that buyers are willing to pay for agricultural products, which influences farmers' decisions about how intensively to cultivate their land.