Agricultural Factors, Landscapes, and Rural Changes
1) Physical Factors of Agricultural Areas
- Heat-Altitudinal Gradient: Temperature decreases 0.6°C for every 100 meters in altitude.
- Tilting-Fold: Flat surfaces facilitate farming.
- Atmospheric Agents: Some, like hail and torrential rains, can cause catastrophic situations for agriculture.
- Exposure to Wind: Wind can damage crops on mountain slopes.
- Terrain: The thicker the soil, the better it is for cultivation, as roots have more room.
2) Agricultural Landscapes
Subsistence Agriculture
Techniques are characterized by archaic methods, a strong dependence on the physical environment, and low production. A large part of the land and farming population is dedicated to production for consumption.
- Shifting Agriculture or Slash-and-Burn: An extensive system using rudimentary tools.
- Intensive Agriculture in Monsoon Asia: Based on intensive rice cultivation in small plots surrounded by levees and canals supplied by flood water.
Market Agriculture
Characterized by high capitalization, modern technology, high productivity, and output marketing.
- Modern Agriculture in Europe: Highlights flowers and horticultural products from the Netherlands and cereals from Germany and the Paris Basin.
- Mediterranean Agriculture: Two varieties exist: Mediterranean rainfed agriculture (wheat, vines, and olives) and Mediterranean irrigated agriculture.
- Extensive Agriculture in New Countries: Cereal plains in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina.
- Plantation Agriculture: Large farms growing cocoa, tea, coffee, bananas, sugarcane, and pineapples in monoculture.
3) Forestry
The main product is timber from forests. Tropical forests provide very resistant hardwoods used in the furniture industry. Other forest products include camphor, rubber, cork, pulp, and resin.
4) Changes in the Rural World
- Changing Demographics: The aging rural population and labor shortages have led to the recruitment of foreign workers in many areas.
- Transformations in Agricultural Countries: Includes the abandonment of agricultural land in unsuitable areas.
- Development of New Activities: Industrial and tourist activities have developed in many rural areas, in addition to agriculture.
- Transformations in Construction: Many rural areas near large cities have been modified by the construction of housing for people moving from urban areas.
5) Fishing
- Inshore Fishing: Takes place near the coast, particularly on the continental shelf.
- Deep-Sea Fishing: Offshore fishing uses large boats capable of accommodating a large crew for weeks. Bait and nets are the most commonly used gear.
6) Aquaculture
Aquaculture involves the reproduction of aquatic organisms (fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and plants) in fish farms for commercial purposes, in both saltwater and freshwater.