BACKGROUND & RATIONALE
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
I would like to explore whether or not the species distribution model (SDM) actually failed as Herva et al. (2016) had concluded. The SDM predicted that Germany is unsuitable for Pinus contorta reforestation despite the strong growth performance observed in provenance trials. While it may seem that the SDM failed by placing Germany outside the projected suitable niche, this may have been correct. Perhaps tree growth in Germany is higher than countries like Sweden (regardless of tree species), resulting in absolute strong growth performances in trials. However, the relative growth of Pinus contorta to other German forestry species is an important factor. In areas of high SDM suitability, I hypothesize that Pinus contorta is a strong competitor with other local forestry species. I hope to explore this research objective by comparing growth rates of 5 different tree species to Pinus contorta provenance trials in Sweden and Germany.