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9 views

CH 2

Uploaded by

vijayalakshmi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Ch-2 Land

Land and its Characteristics

Meaning of Land

 The term 'land' encompasses all resources provided by nature as a


free gift for human use.
 It includes the surface of the earth as well as natural resources like
water, air, minerals, and sunlight.
 Land is essential for all productive activities and is considered a
specific factor of production.
 Modern economists recognize land's versatility, as it can be utilized
for various purposes.

Characteristics of Land

1. Free Gift of Nature: Land is acquired without any cost and is


indispensable for all productive operations.
2. Fertility Variability: Different patches of land exhibit varying
degrees of fertility, impacting productivity.
3. Fixed Availability: The supply of land is fixed, necessitating
improvements in productivity per unit area for economic
development.

Key Concepts

 Land: Surface of the earth, natural resources, essential for


production.
 Fertility: Degree of land's productivity.
 Productivity: Output per unit of land area.
 Improvements: Enhancements made to land for increased
productivity.

Definition

 Land encompasses all materials and forces provided by nature for


human use, including land, water, air, light, and minerals.

Examples

1. Plains, Plateaus, Mountains: Different types of landforms.


2. Sea, Rivers, Ponds: Water bodies contributing to land resources.
3. Oil, Coal, Natural Gas: Examples of mineral resources.
4. Sunlight: Essential for agricultural productivity and energy
generation.
Vocabulary Terms

 Indispensable: Absolutely necessary.


 Versatility: Ability to adapt to various uses or functions.
 Economic Development: Growth and progress of an economy.
 Essential: Fundamental; necessary for existence.
Characteristics of Land

Definition of Land

 Land: The surface of the earth and all resources provided by


nature, including minerals, water, and air, essential for production.

Key Characteristics

1. Free Gift of Nature: Land is available at no cost from nature,


predating human existence. While improvements may require
expenditure, land itself is not a result of human labor.
2. Fixed Supply: The quantity of land is fixed and cannot be
increased or decreased like other factors of production. Flexibility
exists at an individual level, but overall supply remains constant.
3. Variability in Fertility: Land exhibits varying degrees of fertility,
influencing its agricultural productivity. Some areas are highly
fertile, while others are barren.
4. Indestructibility: Land is indestructible; while its shape and
composition can be altered, it cannot be destroyed. Erosion may
occur, but overall land availability remains unchanged.
5. Immobility: Unlike other factors, land is immobile and lacks
geographical mobility. It cannot be physically shifted from one place
to another.
6. Primary Factor of Production: Land is essential in all production
processes, serving as the base for industries and agriculture.
7. Passive Factor of Production: Land alone cannot produce; it
requires human and capital inputs for productivity.
8. Effect of Laws of Returns: Being fixed, land is subject to the laws
of diminishing returns. Increased capital and labor input may lead to
higher production initially, but at a diminishing rate.
9. Alternative Uses: Land can be utilized for various purposes such
as cultivation, farming, or construction. Decision-making regarding
land use depends on the returns from each alternative.
10. Heterogeneous Nature: Each piece of land differs in
location, fertility, and productivity, making them unique in economic
value.

Examples
1. Highly Fertile Agricultural Land: Yields abundant crops due to its
fertility.
2. Barren Land: Unsuitable for cultivation or any productive use due
to low fertility.
3. Urban Land: Used for construction of buildings, roads, and
infrastructure.
4. Rural Land: Utilized for agriculture, farming, and livestock rearing.
Productivity of Land

Definition

 Productivity of Land: Refers to the efficiency or output per unit of


land area.

Measures of Productivity

1. Average Productivity of Land: Calculated by dividing the total


output obtained from land by the area of land.
Average Productivity = Output (in quintals) / Area of Land (in
hectares)
2. Marginal Productivity of Land: Indicates the increase in output
due to the addition of one unit of land, while keeping other inputs
constant.

Factors Affecting Productivity of Land

1. Fertility of Land: Natural qualities and fertility significantly


influence land productivity. Rich soil and flat terrain tend to be more
productive.
2. Proper Use of Land: Utilization of land for its most suitable
purpose enhances productivity. For instance, urban land is more
productive for construction rather than agriculture.
3. Location of Land: Proximity to markets or water resources affects
productivity. Access to transportation and irrigation can enhance
productivity.
4. Improvements on Land by Increasing Irrigation Potential:
Permanent improvements such as irrigation systems contribute to
consistent water supply, positively impacting land productivity.
5. Ability of Organizer: Efficient organization and combination of
factors of production, including land, by skilled organizers improve
productivity.
6. Land Ownership Laws: Ownership rights influence land
development and productivity. Full ownership encourages
investment and improvement.
7. Availability of Efficient Labor: Efficient and trained labor is
essential for maximizing land productivity through proper utilization
and modern techniques.
8. Improved Techniques of Production: Adoption of modern and
scientific methods, such as high-yielding seeds and machinery,
increases land productivity.
9. Availability of Capital: Capital investment in seeds, fertilizers, and
machinery plays a crucial role in maximizing land productivity.
10. Government Policy: Agricultural policies and government
support significantly impact land productivity. Proper policies and
assistance can lead to increased agricultural productivity, while
negligence can result in low productivity.

Examples

1. Highly Fertile Land: Yields abundant crops due to its rich soil and
proper irrigation.
2. Efficiently Managed Farm: Utilizes modern techniques and skilled
labor to maximize land productivity.
3. Government Subsidies: Support from the government encourages
investment in land improvement and enhances productivity.

Vocabulary Terms

 Proximity: Nearness in distance or time.


 Consistent: Regular; unchanging.
 Negligence: Failure to take proper care or attention.

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