This book investigates the computational modeling of forest ecosystems to predict individual tree growth and forest dynamics under varying environmental conditions. Daniel B. Botkin, a prominent ecologist, presents the technical framework for the JABOWA-II model, which serves as a successor to his original forest growth simulations. The text details the mathematical logic and programming architecture required to simulate complex biological interactions within a forest plot using personal computing resources.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the evolution of individual-based forest modeling. Readers frequently note the technical density of the prose, which is tailored for researchers and students familiar with ecological simulation software.