Abstract: Few studies have examined the hyperspectral characteristics of Sphagnum species which are dominated in northern peatlands. Hyperspectral remote sensing technology was used in this study to explore the spectral characteristics of the same Sphagnumspecies in different water level conditions (hummock and hollow), and those of different Sphagnumspecies in the same water level conditions. The results showed that the spectral reflectance  varied across different Sphagnum species, with large difference in  green peak and  red edge. Due to the difference ofwater level conditions, the spectral reflectance in visible and infrared wavebands ofSphagnum fuscum, S. palustre, andS. magellanicum was different between highhummock and lowhummock populations, with the reflectance of highhummock species being higher than that of lowhummock ones. The detailed spectral information of severalSphagnum species in HaniSphagnumwetland in Northeast China obtained here would be helpful for interpreting thehigh resolution aerial photographs and satellite images of Sphagnumwetlands.

Key words: ecological management, small watershed, soil bulk density, clay content, soil organic matter