Department of Forestry
 

John Seiler - The Honorable and Mrs. Shelton H. Short Professor of Forestry. Tree Physiology Specialist

Teaching Responsibilities

  • FOR 2314 Forest Biology and Dendrology
  • FOR 2324 Dendrology Laboratory
  • FOR 5334 Plant Water Relations
  • FOR 5984 Forest Ecology and Biology for Educators (on-line course)

Selected Research Activities

  • Characterization and modeling of seasonal gas exchange in fertilized loblolly pine plantations (USDA Forest Service). This field study is measuring gas exchange in fertilized and unfertilized loblolly pine plantations as it is influenced by daily and seasonal changes in environmental parameters. Empirical models will be developed to more accurately predict photosynthesis in managed stands with the goal of improving process models.
  • Development of Innovative Learning Techniques in Woody Plant Identification and Forest Biology (Virginia Forestry Education Foundation): We are developing several multimedia tutorials designed to teach woody plant identification and general forest biology. Programs will allow self-paced instruction and self-evaluation. Linkages to department home pages, instructor e-mail, bulletin boards, and student "chat rooms" will be integral parts.
  • Quantifying Carbon efflux rates in managed loblolly pine plantations (USDA Forest Service, Westvaco Corp., NASA) We are measuring rates of carbon uptake and soil CO2 efflux in managed loblolly pine plantations. The results will be used in models aimed at estimating the role of southeastern forests in the global carbon budget.

Selected Publications

  • Tyree, M. C., J.R. Seiler, M.W. Aust, D.A. Sampson and T.R. Fox. 2006. Long-term effects of site preparation and fertilization on total soil CO2 efflux and heterotrophic respiration in a 33-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation on the wet flats of the Virginia lower coastal plain. For. Ecol. Manag. 234: 363-369.
  • Gough, C. M., J. R. Seiler, E. P. Wiseman, and C. A. Maier. 2005. Soil CO2 efflux in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations on the Virginia Piedmont and South Carolina Coastal Plain over a rotation-length chronosequence. Biogeochemistry 73: 127-147.
  • Kirwan, J.L. and J. R. Seiler. 2005. Using Undergraduate Students and the Internet to Enhance K - 12 Science Education. NACTA Journal Kirwan, J.L. and J. R. Seiler. 2005. Using Undergraduate Students and the Internet to Enhance K - 12 Science Education. NACTA Journal 49:52-56.
  • Gough, C. M., J. R. Seiler, E. P. Wiseman, and C. A. Maier. 2004. Soil CO2 efflux in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations on the Virginia Piedmont and South Carolina Coastal Plain over a rotation-length chronosequence. Biogeochemistry (in press).
  • Gough, C. M., J. R. Seiler, and C. A. Maier. 2004. Short-term effects of fertilization on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) physiology. Plant, Cell, and Environment 27:876-886.
  • Gough, C. M., and J. R. Seiler. 2004. The influence of environmental, soil carbon, root, and stand characteristics on soil CO2 efflux in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations located on the South Carolina Coastal Plain. Forest Ecol. Manage. 191:353-363.
  • Gough, C. H., and J. R. Seiler. 2004. Belowground carbon dynamics in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) immediately following diammonium phosphate fertilization. Tree Physiology 24:845-851.
  • Wiseman, P. E., and J. R. Seiler. 2003. Soil CO2 efflux across four age classes of plantation loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) on the Virginia Piedmont. For. Ecol. Manage. 192:297-311.
  • Gough, C. H., J. R. Seiler, K. H. Johnsen, and D. A. Sampson. 2003. Seasonal photosynthesis in fertilized and non-fertilized loblolly pine. Forest Science 50:1-9.

Professional Achievements

  • Ernest L. Boyer International Award for Excellence on Teaching, Learning and Technology
  • Forestry and Wildlife Resources Curriculum Clubs' Outstanding Faculty Award, 1992-95, 2002
  • University Certificate of Teaching Excellence, 1994-95
  • University W.E. Wine Award for Excellence in Teaching, 1997
  • Carl Alwin Schenck Award for Outstanding Performance in Forestry Education, SAF, 1998
  • State Council for Higher Education in Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award, 2002
  • University Diggs Teaching Scholar, 2002
  • USDA Higher Education Progams College and University Teaching Award, 2001