Everyone who saw the film about the amazing Scarlett O'Hara probably remembers the first scene - a panorama of a huge cotton plantation called Tara. And from TV screens we are told about tea and coffee plantations, on which the best varieties of these plants grow. What are plantations, where are they located and which are rightfully considered the most unusual?
Etymology
The origin of words is studied by etymology. It is this department of linguistics that will help to understand what plantations are. This word appeared in Russian in the XVIII century. Borrowed from Latin, it means "planting plants." It came from planta - "seedling." It is worth noting that this term does not have an exact definition. In addition, it is not official.
First plantations
Plantation farms first appeared in the West Indies in the 16th century. Their founders were the Spaniards who exploited the indigenous people of the continent. The slave tools were the most primitive. The 18th century was marked by the appearance of European colonies in Asia and Africa. Most often, the owners of the plantations were foreign nationals, but sometimes large corporations became the owners. For quite some time, plantation workers were blacks. The main goal of creating large plantations was the production of sugarcane, tea, coffee, tobacco, pineapples, cocoa and much more. Of course, for commercial purposes. The plantation system reached its peak in the early 19th century. Then its center became the United States of America. In the southern states, a huge amount of cotton was grown.
Investments and wage labor: what is a capitalist type plantation?
Several centuries after the appearance of plantations, a new economic form appeared - capitalist plantations. No longer slaves worked here - thanks to investments, the owners could afford to hire workers. This type of farming also had other features:
- Permanent staff.
- Fixed wage.
- An increase in the number of workers at harvest time.
By the way, often hired workers managed to work on several plantations during the season. Indeed, different cultures ripen at different times. This tradition is still relevant among the population of third world countries.
What determines the germination and quality of the crop?
Now you know the meaning of the word "plantation", the history of the emergence of agricultural enterprises. It is worth noting that any plantation is calculated for reasons of its profitability. That is why the location is chosen in accordance with the requirements of those crops that are planned to grow.
For example, most tobacco plantations are located in China, India, Brazil, and the United States. It is here that the soil and climate are most suitable for growing this plant. The largest strawberry farms are located in Western Europe, Uzbekistan and in the Krasnodar Territory. But blueberries are mainly grown in countries of northern latitudes - this berry needs a marshland and moist soil. In tropical countries, vanilla is actively cultivated. The future of the Russian forest industry is raw forest plantations. What are wood plantations? This is a solution to the problem of forest deficit. The most unusual plantation can be considered cactus. And there is a legal marijuana plantation in Queens! Plants grown here, of course, will not go on sale - they will be used exclusively for medical purposes.