SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE MEASUREMENTS IN THE GENUS SPHAGNUM

High-spectral resolution reflectance data were acquired in the laboratory for four species of Sphagnum (peat moss): S. cuspidatum, S. papillosum, S. fallax, and S. capillifolium. All four species had different spectral reflectance properties. Species differences were noted especially in the visible portion of the spectrum from 0.45 mum to 0.70 mum; some major spectral differences were also noted in the near infrared (0.70-1.3 mum). Samples analyzed had much lower reflectance than typical green vegetation in the midinfrared region of the spectrum from 1.30 mum to 2.40 mum. In addition, Sphagnum had very pronounced water-related absorption features at about 1.00 mum and 1.20 mum, unlike typical green vegetation. Spectral data acquired as samples were dried indicated large spectral increases with increasing dryness, especially in the midinfrared. Simulated Landsat Thematic Mapper 5/4 band ratio data were linearly related to the log of wet weight/dry weight.