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Sprinkler irrigation in Nebraska: Logistic growth can be used to model not only population growth but also economic and other types of growth. For example, the total number of acres \(A=A(t)\), in millions, in Nebraska that are being irrigated by modern sprinkler systems has shown approximate logistic growth since 1955 , closely following the equation of change $$ \frac{d A}{d t}=0.15 A\left(1-\frac{A}{3}\right) \text {. } $$ Here time \(t\) is measured in years. a. According to this model, how many total acres in Nebraska can be expected eventually to be irrigated by sprinkler systems? (Hint: This corresponds to the carrying capacity in the logistic model for population growth.) b. How many acres of land were under sprinkler irrigation when sprinkler irrigation was expanding at its most rapid rate?

Short Answer

Expert verified
a. 3 million acres; b. 1.5 million acres.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Logistic Growth Model

The logistic growth model describes how a population grows rapidly at first and then slows as it approaches a maximum capacity. This is represented by the equation \(\frac{dA}{dt} = 0.15A\left(1 - \frac{A}{3}\right)\), where \(A\) is the number of acres (in millions) and \(t\) is time in years. The term \(1 - \frac{A}{K}\) represents the environmental carrying capacity \(K\).
02

Identifying the Carrying Capacity

In a logistic growth model, the carrying capacity is the maximum stable population size that can be sustained. In the given equation, \(K = 3\) millions of acres is the limiting factor, meaning this is the maximum number of acres that can be eventually irrigated by sprinklers.
03

Determining the Point of Maximum Growth

The rate \(\frac{dA}{dt}\) reaches its maximum when \(A = \frac{K}{2}\). This is derived by finding the critical point of \(\frac{dA}{dt} = 0.15A(1-\frac{A}{3})\). At maximum growth, \(A = \frac{3}{2} = 1.5\) million acres, which represents the number of acres irrigated when growth is most rapid.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Carrying Capacity
In the context of logistic growth, carrying capacity is a fundamental concept. It represents the upper limit that a population or any growing quantity can sustain in a given environment. For instance, the logistic model can describe not only population dynamics but also economic growth, such as the acreage used for irrigation. Think of carrying capacity as the maximum supportable level—like how many people can fit in a room without overcrowding. This limit, in our specific scenario, is determined by resources and environmental constraints, such as water availability and infrastructure for irrigation. In the equation provided, \[ \frac{dA}{dt} = 0.15A \left(1 - \frac{A}{3}\right), \]The term \( K = 3 \) (in millions of acres) signifies that the environment can eventually support up to 3 million acres of sprinkler-irrigated land. Beyond this point, the growth rate slows and stabilizes, preventing the number of acres from exceeding this carrying capacity.
Population Growth
Population growth, often modeled using differential equations, generally undergoes different phases.
  • Initial Phase: Growth begins slowly.
  • Exponential Phase: Growth accelerates rapidly.
  • Stationary Phase: Growth rate decreases and stabilizes due to limiting factors.
The logistic growth model encapsulates these phases by showing how a growing population (or acreage of irrigated land, in this case) might initially expand quickly, only to slow as it nears its environmental limit, the carrying capacity. In our example of sprinkler irrigation expansion in Nebraska, the use of such a model helps illustrate not only the extent of expansion (up to 3 million acres) but also the grace of nature’s balance where resources dictate the ceiling of growth.
Differential Equations
Differential equations are mathematical tools used to describe changes in quantities and their rates over time. They allow us to encapsulate dynamic processes like population growth or the expansion of irrigated areas.The logistic growth model is a form of differential equation that incorporates both the current growth rate and the influence of existing limitations (i.e., carrying capacity). The given equation, \[ \frac{dA}{dt} = 0.15A \left(1 - \frac{A}{3}\right), \]describes the change in the number of acres (\( A \)) under irrigation over time (\( t \)). Here,
  • \( \frac{dA}{dt} \) refers to the rate of change in irrigated land.
  • \( 0.15A \) suggests initial exponential growth, driven by the existing number of acres.
  • \( 1 - \frac{A}{3} \) modifies growth, indicating how close the current acreage is to the carrying capacity of 3 million acres.
Through differential equations, we can model and predict how systems evolve over time, providing valuable insight into both natural and man-made systems.

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