The boreal ecosystem is the second largest forested biome and is globally one of the most extensive reservoirs of carbon. This ecosystem, however, is undergoing significant changes, particularly the loss of snow cover, which is increasing the temperature variability on the forest floor. The temperature changes have the potential to have a substantial impact on below-ground carbon dynamics, including microbial biomass, root dynamics, and nutrient cycling. Extensive moss cover with either white or black spruce dominant is characteristic of boreal forests. The loss of insulating snow cover exposes soils to freezing and desiccation which can affect the boreal carbon budget in different ways. However, the moderating influences of Sphagnum and Pleurozium mosses, which form extensive ground cover with dense black spruce in Quebec forests, remain unclear. To compare the effect of Sphagnum and Pleurozium on the sub-surface temperature of boreal forests and, consequently, on microbial biomass and root dynamics in response to the presence or absence of snow cover, we have established 6 plots of 1.5m2 in each of four different sites of the Abitibi region. We have set up a short-term experiment in which we remove the snow cover with the least disturbance with the following protocol: Sphagnum without snow removed, Sphagnum with snow removed, Pleurozium without snow removed, Pleurozium with snow removed, moss removed (No moss as control) without snow and moss removed with snow. The temperature data loggers are inserted in each plot to a depth of 10cm. The soil samples will be taken in Spring to measure the microbial biomass and root dynamics (dead and living roots). The functional traits like water retention capacity, colony density, and CN content of the Pleurozium and Sphagnum will be analyzed in late summer. We predict that the Sphagnum will exhibit cooler, more stable soil temperatures, greater microbial biomass, and higher fine root productivity compared to areas under Pleurozium moss and no moss plots, under both ambient and reduced snow cover conditions. The functional traits of Sphagnum and Pleurozium moss will exhibit significant variations, particularly in response to changing snow cover conditions. Quantifying the roles of Sphagnum and Pleurozium could inform climate change predictions and adaptation, which in turn will help in evidence-based adaptation planning and support resilient forest management in response to carbon sequestration.