A model for reforestation with optimal and suboptimal tree populations

A hypothetical reforestation model is presented which postulates growth rates by "optimal" and "suboptimal" tree populations. Populations of trees from the central zone of a species' ecological tolerance may possess inherently greater capactities for rapid growth due to a "non-conservative" developmental growth strategy. Such a strategy probably evolves where environmental conditions are rarely limiting for growth, but biotic (competitive) interactions between neighboring trees are intense. When these populations are planted in less favorable sites, they may outgrow native populations. A method for determining the extent of planting zones for such populations is also presented.