Final answer:
In the Von Thünen model, wood and perishable products are located near the market to minimize transportation costs and prevent spoilage. This is reflected in contemporary practices where market gardening and dairy production are still found close to urban centers, whereas crops like grain, which are less perishable and cheaper to transport, are grown farther away.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Von Thünen model, wood and perishable/fragile products like dairy and vegetables are located near the market because they are either expensive to transport or have a high risk of spoilage. During the time when Von Thünen developed his model, technological innovations like refrigeration and rapid transportation were not available, thus the proximity to the market was crucial for farmers to ensure their products could be sold before perishing. The heavy weight of wood made its transportation costly, and thus it was also ideal to locate forestry operations closer to cities. Market gardening and liquid milk production are observed near urban centers, reflecting the ongoing importance of transportation costs despite technological advancements.
Even today, the logic of the Von Thünen model can be observed in agricultural practices. For instance, California leads the production of fruits, vegetables, and milk due to its large population and the feasible distance to markets, aligning with Von Thünen's predictions. Conversely, large grain farms, which produce crops that are less perishable and cheaper to transport, are typically located farther from urban centers.
While some aspects of the model have changed, like the location of forestry operations and changes in livestock production due to alternative fuels and regulations, the foundational concept about the impact of transportation costs on farming practices and land use remains relevant.