G. Geoff Wang

Professor
Forestry and Environmental Conservation Department, Experiment Station

Office: 226 Lehotsky Hall
Phone: 864-656-4864
Fax: 864-656-3304

Email: gwang@clemson.edu
Vita: Download CV

Educational Background

Ph.D. Forest Ecology
Univ. of British Columbia

Courses Taught

Silviculture
Silviculture Laboratory
Fire Ecology and Management
Fire Ecology and Management Laboratory
Creative Inquiry (Undergraduate Research)
Selected Topics in Forest Resources
Master Thesis Research
Doctoral Dissertation Research

Profile

Dr. Wang directs the Silviculture and Ecology Lab (SEL) at Clemson University. He has been either PI/ Project Leader or Co-PI for over 60 externally funded projects. Currently, Dr. Wang has four ongoing research projects, including an active program of national and international research collaborations. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 80 non-refereed publications. He has also delivered over 300 scientific presentations, including over 80 invited seminars. His research has significantly impacted the field, as indicated by over 6660 citations and an h-index of 45 (Google Scholar).

Dr. Wang has taught multiple undergraduate and graduate courses and mentored 22 postdoctoral scientists, 18 doctoral students, 22 master's students, and seven honors students. Students under his mentorship have won many prestigious scholarships and awards. Many Ph.D. students and post-docs trained in his lab hold tenure-track faculty positions or equivalent.

Dr. Wang currently serves as an Associate Editor for New Forests and Journal of Forestry Research; as a member of the editorial board for Agricultural and Rural Studies, Journal of Plant Ecology, and Journal of Forests and Environment. Dr. Wang has been frequently consulted nationally and internationally by scientific journals, grant agencies, government agencies, professional forestry associations, and industries. Internally, he has also served and chaired departmental, college, and university committees.

Research Interests

Dr. Wang specializes in Silviculture and Forest Ecology. He conducts applied and foundational ecological research in forest ecosystems, mostly temperate forests. His current research focuses on climate-smart forestry and sustainable forest management, especially how natural and anthropogenic disturbances, including fire, weather extremes, pest/disease, biological invasion, and human activities (including management), affect forest ecosystems and their implications for forest resilience and sustainability.

Publications

Referred Research Articles since 2021 (n = 56; updated October 2025)
(*denote the corresponding author; +denote the leading author who completed the whole or a portion of the work in my lab)

Miao Y, Tong R, N. Zhu, S. Chen, F. Zhou, G.G. Wang, and T.G. Wu. 2025. Effects of stand structural diversity on carbon storage of Masson pine forests in Fengyang Mountain Nature Reserve, China. Forestry Research 5: e011 https://doi.org/10.48130/forres-0025-0010

Tang+, Y., J. Lian, C. Li, X. Cheng, Z. Jia, X. Liu, G.G. Wang, L. Zhai, L. Wang, D. Sui, J. Zhang. 2025. Vertically oriented roots affect soil water infiltration by decomposition and altering soil structure: An examination based on CT technology and innovation in soil infiltration research methods. Plant Soil. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07676-0

Xie, H., M Chang, G.G Wang, Y. Tang Yu, and S. Jin. Front. 2025. Integrating climate-smart practices in forestry: insights from Europe and America. Front. Plant Sci., 16 https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1583294

Bohannon+, G.R., M. Miller, and G.G. Wang*. 2025. Growth and self-thinning of shortleaf pine resprouts following wildfire: Eleven-year dynamics in a mixed pine-hardwood forest. Forest Ecology and Management. 593: 122879 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2025.122879

Tang+, Y.Z., J.W Lian, X.F. Cheng, X. Liu, H. Nie, L. Wang, D.Z Sui, G.G. Wang, J.C. Zhang, L. Zhai. 2025. Computed tomography-based root structure variables determine root decomposition given a broad range of root and soil variables. Applied Soil Ecology 211,106163, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2025.106163.

Liu, Q., X. Liu, Z. Liao, S. Wang, J. Huang, Y.Q. Luo, L. Jiang, G.G. Wang, H. Wang, and F.-S. Chen. 2025. Physical rather than chemical protection determines soil organic carbon accumulation in a subtropical Chinese fir plantation treated by litter manipulation. Plant and Soil. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07219-7

Zhang, T., Q.L Yan, G.G. Wang, S. Li, L. Yu, and J.J. Zhu. 2025. Survival and growth of stump sprouts in canopy gaps: A seven-year study in a temperate secondary forest. For. Ecol. Manage., 579, 122500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2025.122500

Chang, M., S. Xiao, F. Wang, H. Liu, H. Zheng, Y. Liao, F.S. Chen, and G.G Wang. 2025. Dual effects of vegetation restoration patterns and soil depth on the soil microbial residue carbon accumulation in a red soil erosion area of southern China. Land Degradation & Development. 36(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.5482.

Zheng, X., J. Zhu, G.G. Wang, et al. 2025. Assessing the ecological effects of the World’s Largest Forestry Eco-engineering: Three-North Protective Forest Program within the initially scheduled range from 1978 to 2022. Sci. China Life Sci. 68, 314–327. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-024-2705-4

2024 (n=11)

Wang, G.G., D. Lu, T. Gao, and J.J. Zhu. 2024. Climate-smart forestry: an AI-enabled sustainable forest management solution for climate change adaptation and mitigation. J. For. Res. 36(7), https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-024-01802-x

Xie, H.T., M. Chang, B. Bao, X. Li, and G.G. Wang. 2024. Linking canopy gap features and microhabitat heterogeneity with seedling regeneration in a mixed coastal shelterbelt forest of eastern China. Forest Ecology and Management, 571, 122259, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2024.122259.

Zhu, J.J., G.G. Wang, H.Q. Zhang, and T. Gao. 2024. On the research of climate-smart forestry. Sci Silva Sinica, 60(7):1–7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13021-024-00260-6

Zhu, J.J., T. Gao, L.Z. Yu, K. Yang, T. Sun, D.L. Lu, Z.H. Liu, Y.D. Chu, J.X. Zhang, D.X. Teng, Y. Zhu, Y.R. Sun, X.G. Wang, and G.G. Wang. 2024. Carbon sink of forest ecosystems: Concept, time effect and improvement approaches. Journal of Applied Ecology. 35(9): 2313-2321.

Ma, C., R. Tong, N. Zhu, W. Yuan, Y. Li, G.G. Wang, and T.G. Wu. 2024. Deciphering nitrogen concentrations in Metasequoia glyptostroboides: a novel approach using RGB images and machine learning. J. For. Res. 35, 116. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-024-01769-9

Chen, Z., X.Y. Ni, C.H. Peng, K. Yue, J. Yuan, Q. Wu, R. Bol, F.Z. Wu, and G.G. Wang. 2024. Climate warming accelerates carbon release from foliar litter – A global synthesis. Global Change Biology. 30(5) e17350. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17350

Yuan, W., N. Zhu, L. Zhang, R. Tong, Y. Miao, F. Zhou, G.G. Wang, T.G. Wu. 2024. Three-dimensional aerodynamic structure estimation and wind field simulation for wide tree shelterbelts. Forest Ecology and Management, 559, 121813. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2024.121813

Wu, C., X. Yuan, G. Yang, D. Ning, Y. Zhang, Y. Liu, and G.G. Wang*. 2024. How does position affect the decomposition of fine woody debris in subtropical forest? Forest Ecology and Management, 560,121829. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2024.121829.

Tong, R., B. Ji, G.G. Wang, C. Lou, C. Ma, N. Zhu, W. Yuan, and T.G. Wu. 2024. Canopy gap impacts on soil organic carbon and nutrient dynamic: a meta-analysis. Annals of Forest Science 81(12). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13595-024-01224-z

Lu, D.L., D. Wu, J.J. Zhu, X. Ge, D. Teng, C. Zhu, J. Zhang, G. Zhang, T. Gao, H. Liu, and G.G. Wang. 2024. Resolving gap patterns and dynamics from a new perspective: Ratio effects of the evergreen versus deciduous trees in broadleaved–Korean pine forests. Forest Ecology and Management, 554, 12165 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2023.121653

Xu, B., X. Jiang, Y. Zong, G.G. Wang, F.S. Chen, Z. Zhao, and X.M. Fang. 2024. The storage and utilization of carbohydrates in response to elevation mediated by tree organs in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests. Forest Ecosystems, 11, 100167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fecs.2024.100167.

2023 (n=13)

Yang, K., Q. Zhang, J.J. Zhu, Q. Wang, T. Gao, and G.G. Wang. 2023. Mycorrhizal type regulates trade-offs between plant and soil carbon in forests. Nature Climate Change, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01864-5

Zhu, J., Y. Sun, X. Zheng, K. Yang, G.G. Wang, C. Xia, T. Sun, and J. Zhang. 2023. A large carbon sink induced by the implementation of the largest afforestation program on Earth. Ecol Process 12(44). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13717-023-00455-8

Pile Knapp, L.S., D.R. Coyle, D.C., Dey, J.S. Fraser, T. Hutchinson, M.A. Jenkins, C.C. Kern, B.O. Knapp, D. Maddox, C. Pinchot, and G.G. Wang. 2023. Invasive plant management in eastern North American Forests: A systematic review. Forest Ecology and Management, 550, 121517. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2023.121517

Luo, F., L. Liu, G.G. Wang, V. Kumar, M.S. Ashton, J. Abernethy, F. Afghah, M. Browning, D. Coyle, P. Dames, T. O'Halloran, J. Hays, P. Heisl, C. Jiang, P. Khanal, Puskar, V. Krovi, S. Kuebbing, N. Li, J.J. Liang, and L. Zhao. 2023. Artificial Intelligence for Climate Smart Forestry: A Forward Looking Vision. 1-10. 10.1109/CogMI58952.2023.00011.

Han, W., L. Chen, J. Liu, G.G. Wang, D. Liu, and G. Liu. 2023. Effect of Gap Size and Elevation on the Regeneration and Coexistence of Abies, Betula, and Acer Tree Species in a Subalpine Coniferous Forest. Forests, 14(10), 2099. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14102099

Tong, Ran, C. Ma, C. Lou, W. Yuan, N. Zhu, G.G. Wang, and T.G. Wu. 2023. Leaf nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry of the halophytes across China. Frontiers in Plant Science, 14, 1276699. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1276699

Lu, D.L., J.J. Zhu, G. Zhang, S. Fang, Y. Sun, C. Zhu, J. Zhang, and G.G. Wang. 2023. A forest gap is not forever: Towards an objective standard to determine when a gap is considered closed in temperate forests. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 340, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2023.109598

Lu, D.L., J.J. Zhu, G. Zhang, Y. Sun, L. Hu, and G.G. Wang. 2023. Disentangling regeneration by vertical stratification: A 17-year gap-filling process in a temperate secondary forest. Forest Ecology and Management, 539: 120994, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2023.120994

Tang+, Y., X. Liu, J. Lian, X. Cheng, G.G. Wang, and J. Zhang. 2023. Soil depth can modify the contribution of root system architecture to the root decomposition rate. Forests, 14(6), 1092. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14061092

Wang, J-P., R-Z. Huang*, J-M. Zhao, J-H. Yuan, G-M. Huang, R-X. Xie, L. Hu, Y-F. Xie, and G.G. Wang*. 2023. Effects of cultivars and habitats on rhizospheric arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with Gannan navel oranges. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science (GAGS), https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2023.2205135

Chi, Y., G.G. Wang, M. Zhu, P. Jin, Y. Hu, P. Shu, Z. Wang, A. Fan, P. Qian, Y. Han, and S. Jin. 2023. Potentially suitable habitat prediction of Pinus massoniana Lamb. in China under climate change using Maxent model. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/ffgc.2023.1144401

Qi, K., J.J. Zhu, X. Zheng, G.G. Wang, and M. Li. 2023. Impacts of the World’s Largest Afforestation Program (Three-North Afforestation Program) on desertification control in sandy land of China. Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 60(1), https://doi.org/10.1080/15481603.2023.2167574

Xie+, HT, L.S. Pile Knapp, M. Yu, and G.G. Wang. 2023. Solidago canadensis invasion destabilizes the understory plant community and soil properties of coastal shelterbelt forests of subtropical China. Plant and Soil. 484, 65–77 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-022-05739-0.

2022 (n=12)

Wang, J., Y. Liu, Y. Xu, W. Chen, Y. Han, G.G. Wang*, and S. Jin*. 2022. Sexual differences in gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence of Torreya grandis under drought stress. Trees 36, 283–294. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-021-02205-9

Wang+, J., J. Yuan, Q. Ren, B. Zhang, J.-C. Zhang, R. Huang, and G.G. Wang. 2022. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhanced salt tolerance of Gleditsia sinensis by modulating antioxidant activity, ion balance and P/N ratio. Plant Growth Regulator 97, 33–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-021-00792-8

Huang,Y-X., Z-J. Wu, Y-Y. Zong, W-Q. Li, F-S. Chen, and GG Wang, J-J Li, X-M Fang. 2022. Mixing with coniferous tree species alleviates rhizosphere soil phosphorus limitation of broad-leaved trees in subtropical plantations. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 175, 108853, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2022.108853.

Xie+, H.T., L.S. Pile Knapp, M. Yu, and G.G. Wang. 2022. Morphological and physiological response of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) to an extreme cold spell in subtropical, coastal forests of China. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 10: 945886. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2022.945886.

Zhang, H, M Sun, Y. Wen, R Tong, GG Wang, Q Wu, Y Li, and TG Wu. 2022. The effects of stand age on leaf N:P cannot be neglected: A global synthesis. Forest ecology and management, 518, (2022): 120294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2022.120294

Tong R, Y. Wen, J. Wang, C. Lou, C. Ma, N. Zhu, G.G. Wang, and T.G. Wu. 2022. Root nutrient capture and leaf resorption efficiency modulated by different influential factors jointly alleviated P limitation in Quercus acutissima across the North–South Transect of Eastern China. Forestry Research 2:7 https://doi.org/10.48130/FR-2022-0007

Yan, Q.L., C.Y. Zhu, J.J. Zhu, L.N. Song, G.G. Wang, and D.L. Lu. Estimating gap age using tree-ring width in combination with carbon isotope discrimination in a temperate forest, Northeast China. Annals of Forest Science, 79:25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13595-022-01147-7

Song R., R. Tong, H. Zhang, G.G. Wang, T.G. Wu, and X. Yang. 2022. Effects of Long-Term Fertilization and Stand Age on Root Nutrient Acquisition and Leaf Nutrient Resorption of Metasequoia glyptostroboides. Frontiers in Plant Science. 13 https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.905358

Li, W-Q., Z-J. Wu, Y-Y. Zong, G.G. Wang, F-S. Chen, Y-Q. Liu, J-J. Li, X-M. Fang. 2022. Tree species mixing enhances rhizosphere soil organic carbon mineralization of conifers in subtropical plantations, Forest Ecology and Management, 516, 120238, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2022.120238.

Yang, K., J.J. Zhu, W. Zhang, Q. Zhang; D.L. Lu, Y. Zhang, X. Zheng, S. Xu, and G.G. Wang. 2022. Litter decomposition and nutrient release from monospecific and mixed litters: comparisons of litter quality, fauna and decomposition sites effects. Journal of Ecology https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.13902

Wang+, J., G.G. Wang, R. Li, Y. Sun, L. Yu, J.J. Zhu, and Q. Yan. 2022. Cascading effect of source limitation on the granivore-mediated seed dispersal of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) in secondary forest ecosystems. Ecological Processes 11 (1), https://doi.org/10.1186/s13717-021-00352-y

Crouch, C.D., B.O. Knapp, S.A. Cohen, J.S. Glitzenstein, J.L. Walker, and G.G. Wang. 2022. Longleaf pine restoration on hydric sites: Understorey plant community responses to site preparation through 15 years. Applied Vegetation Science 25 (1), e12637

2021 (n=11)

Wen, Y., R. Tong, H. Zhang, K. Feng, R. Song, G.G. Wang*, and T.G. Wu*. 2021. N addition decreased stand structure diversity in young but increased in middle-aged Metasequoia glyptostroboides plantations. Global Ecology and Conservation 30, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01803

Wang+, K., G.G. Wang, L. Song, R. Zhang, T. Yan, and Y. Li. 2021. Linkages between nutrient resorption and ecological stoichiometry and homeostasis along a chronosequence of Mongolian pine plantations. Frontiers in Plant Science 13, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.692683

Han, Y., G.G. Wang, T.G. Wu, W. Chen, Y. Ji, and S. Jin. 2021. Fertilization failed to make positive effects on Torreya grandis in severe N-deposition subtropics. Sustainability 13, 9736. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179736

Zhang, T., Q.L. Yan*, G.G. Wang, and J.J. Zhu. 2021. The effects of stump size and within-gap position on sprout non-structural carbohydrates concentrations and regeneration in forest gaps vary among species with different shade tolerances. Ecological Processes 10(25), https://doi.org/10.1186/s13717-021-00300-w

Wu+, C., M.D. Ulyshene, C. Shu, Z. Zhang, Y. Zhang, Y. Liu*, and G.G. Wang*. 2021. Stronger effects of termites than microbes on wood decomposition in a subtropical forest. Forest Ecology and Management 493, 119263, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2021.119263

Wang+, J., G.G. Wang*, T. Zhang, J. Yuan, L. Yu, J.J. Zhu, and Q.L. Yan*. 2021. Use of direct seeding and seedling planting to restore Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.) in secondary forests of Northeast China. Forest Ecology and Management 493, 119243, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2021.119243

Lu+, D.L., J.J. Zhu, X. Wang, G. Hao, and G.G. Wang. 2021. A systematic evaluation of gap size and within-gap position effects on seedling regeneration in a temperate secondary forest, Northeast China. Forest Ecology and Management 490, 119140, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2021.119140.

Xie*+, H.T., Y. Tang, M.K. Yu, and G.G. Wang*. 2021. The effects of afforestation tree species mixing on soil organic carbon stock, nutrients accumulation, and understory vegetation diversity on reclaimed coastal lands in Eastern China. Global Ecology and Conservation 26 e01478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01478

Wang, J., S. Ma, G.G. Wang, L. Xu, Z. Fu, J. Song, and J. Zhang. 2021. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities associated with wild plants in a coastal ecosystem. Journal of Forestry Research 32: 683-695. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-020-01127-5

Zhu, J.J., C.Y. Zhu, D.L. Lu, G.G. Wang, X. Zheng, J.S. Cao, J.X. Zhang. 2021. Regeneration and succession: A 50-year gap dynamic in temperate secondary forests, Northeast China. Forest Ecology and Management 484: 118943 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2021.118943

Fang, X.-M. G.G. Wang, Z.-J. Xu, Y.-Y. Zong, X.-L. Zhang, J.-J. Li, H. Wang, F.-S. Chen. 2021. Litter addition and understory removal influenced soil organic carbon quality and mineral nitrogen supply in a subtropical plantation forest. Plant and Soil 460, 527–540. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-020-04787-8

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