Human Geography- Agricultural Practices and Concepts

Bioclimatic Zones

Bioclimatic Zones

Regions with specific climate conditions influencing agriculture.

Arable

Land suitable for growing crops.

Non-arable

Land not suitable for growing crops.

Shifting Cultivation

Cultivating land for a few years before moving to a new plot.

Plantation

Large estate for commercial crop cultivation, often using cheap labor.

Pastoral Nomadism

Livestock movement for forage in subsistence agriculture.

Livestock Ranching

Commercial grazing of livestock.

Mixed Crop & Livestock

Farming combining crop and livestock raising.

Commercial Grain Farming

Large-scale cultivation of grains for sale.

Market Gardening

Intensive farming of fruits and vegetables for local markets.

Dairy Farming

Agriculture focused on milk and dairy production.

Mediterranean Agriculture

Agriculture in regions with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, specializing in crops like grapes and olives.

Environmental Possibilism

Theory suggesting societies can overcome environmental constraints through technology.

Monocropping (Monoculture)

Cultivation of a single crop on a large scale.

Agribusiness

Large-scale agricultural business encompassing production, processing, distribution, and marketing of agricultural products.

Economies of Scale

Cost advantages gained through increased production.

Commodity Chains

Networks connecting the production and distribution of agricultural products.

Von Thunen Model

Economic model explaining agricultural land use patterns based on transportation costs.

Periphery Countries

Less developed countries with weaker economies.

Core and Semi-Periphery Countries

More developed countries with stronger economies, often dominating global trade.

Subsistence Agriculture

Farming primarily for the farmer's own consumption.

Globalization

Process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries.

Deforestation

Clearing of forests for various purposes, including agriculture.

Slash & Burn Agriculture

Method involving cutting and burning forests to create fields for cultivation.

Terrace Farming

Method utilizing steps built into hillsides for cultivation.

Irrigation

Artificial application of water to land for agricultural purposes.

Pollution

Contamination of the environment by harmful substances.

Soil Salinization

Build-up of salts in soil, often resulting from irrigation.

Microfinance

Banking services for low-income individuals or groups.

Metes and Bounds

Land survey method using landmarks to establish boundary lines.

Long Lot

Land survey method involving long strips of land starting from a water source.

Township and Range

Rectangular land survey system pioneered by Thomas Jefferson.

Clustered Settlement

Rural settlement pattern with homes grouped together.

Dispersed Settlement

Rural settlement pattern with isolated and scattered homes.

Linear Settlement

Rural settlement pattern organized along a linear feature like a road or river.

Agricultural Hearths

Geographic origin of agricultural practices and domesticated crops.

Domestication

Deliberate effort to grow plants and raise animals for human use.

Contagious Diffusion

Spread of agricultural practices from one area to nearby areas through close contact.

Immigration & Migration

Diffusion of agricultural practices through the movement of people.

Stimulus Diffusion

Adaptation of farming methods or crops in new locations due to different conditions.

The Columbian Exchange

Exchange of goods and ideas between the 'Old World' and the 'New World.'

Green Revolution

Spread of high-yield crop varieties and modern agricultural techniques.

Bid-Rent Theory

Land value influenced by its proximity to markets.