BUILDING A FRAMEWORK TO DIFFERENTIATE PEATLAND CONDITION IN EUROPE BY LINKING SPECTRAL AND MOLECULAR DATA

Résumé fourni par la source

Peatlands provide critical ecosystem services, including carbon storage, water regulation, and climate mitigation, yet spatial information on their ecological condition remains limited despite widespread degradation that is expected to intensify under ongoing climate change. Here, we assess whether vegetation dynamics associated with peatland degradation can be detected using high-resolution spectral data and linked to underlying biogeochemical processes. We present an integrated approach combining PlanetScope multispectral imagery with soil biogeochemical indicators to distinguish pristine from drained peatlands across climatic zones in Europe. Vegetation indices (NDVI, EVI, gNDVI, Greenness Index, and albedo) were derived to characterize vegetation properties, while soil biogeochemistry was assessed using elemental carbon and nitrogen contents and molecular composition determined by pyrolysis–GC/MS. Our results show that spectral indices effectively differentiate peatland conditions, with NDVI and Greenness Index consistently higher in drained areas, reflecting increased vascular plant productivity. EVI and albedo further distinguish between open and sparsely treed systems. The strongest spectral contrasts occurred during the early growing season, highlighting the importance of seasonal timing for remote sensing assessments. Biogeochemical analyses support these patterns, showing increased nitrogen content, reduced C/N ratios, and enhanced microbial decomposition under drainage. Our results reveal a strong link between the stoichiometric and molecular composition of peat soils and spectral indices, demonstrating that spectral indicators can serve as rapid and reliable proxies for peatland condition across diverse vegetation types and climatic settings. This integrative approach enables large-scale monitoring and supports restoration efforts under ongoing environmental change.

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