Question

The map shows the distribution of dairy farms across the Lower 48 of the United States. Each dot on the map represents approximately ten dairy farms.

1. Describe the characteristic land use associated with the spatial pattern shown on the map.

2. Describe TWO geographic features not shown on the map that would help explain the patterns of dairy farming shown on the map.

Answer 1

1. Large swathes of land is being devoted to the cultivation of corn and cultivation of nutritious grasses.

2. Vegetation and Rainfall

Explanation:

1. One characteristic land-use feature associated with the dairy farms is the use of large swaths of land to grow corn and nutritious alfalfa grass. Earlier, these lands were devoted to the cultivation of temperate wheat. However, the success of commercial dairy farming in the region has led to the introduction of extensive farming methods where large farms are devoted to corn and alfalfa production. Application of manures, usage of machines is very high and the overall yield of the farms is very high but yield per unit of land is low.

2. Two geographic features not shown on the map that corroborates to the above concentration pattern are-

• Vegetation- Temperate grassland (Prairie) of these regions provides large and extensive ground for the cultivation of fodder grass. Prairie supports the cultivation of these grasses.

• Rainfall- These areas receive plenty of rainfall from humongous freshwater lakes in their vicinity. This rainfall proves crucial for cultivation for animal feeds.