Describe the core idea of the Von Thünen model and what determines the order of land use around a market.

• A. A grid pattern around a market
• B. A linear belt along waterways
• C. A concentric ring model where land use is arranged by distance from a market due to transport costs; perishable and high-value products are closest, with less-intensive uses farther out.
• D. Random parcels around the market

Answer: (C)

The basic idea is that land use around a market is organized by distance, because transporting goods to market costs money. In a simplified Von Thünen world with a single market town in the center and uniform land, the most perishable or high-value products are produced closest to the market to minimize transport time and spoilage. As you move outward, transport costs rise, so uses that are less sensitive to distance or lower in value occupy the farther rings. This creates concentric zones: near the market, intensive uses like dairy and market gardening; then forests for timber and fuel; then field crops; and finally grazing or ranching on the outer edges. The order is driven by a trade-off between transport costs and the value or perishability of the agricultural goods, under the model’s simplifying assumptions.