The present study focuses on the optical properties of the peat moss species Sphagnum teres by contrasting the optical properties of a fresh and a dry moss. We examined parameters such as the reflectance of the moss capitulum, the content of chlorophylls, carotenoids, antocyanins and UV absorbents, and the photochemical efficiency of the peat moss. Reflectance and photochemical efficiency were also measured after rehydration of the dried pad. The results have shown a statistically significant difference between the optical properties of the fresh and the dry moss. The reflectance spectra of the dry peat moss pad were higher than the reflectance spectra of the fresh moss. The reflectances of the wet and dry moss were the most similar in the visible part of the spectrum, but differ in the UV and NIR ranges. No statistically significantly differences were found in the pigment content between the dry and the fresh moss. The photochemical efficiency was significantly higher in the fresh moss. It was also found that Sphagnum teres plants do not recover shortly after rehydration.
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