Abstract:This paper, based on the rapid and nondestructive testing of hyperspectral reflectance compared with conventional methods, constructed hyperspectral models for retrieving soil heavy metal content in different historical period by correlation analysis and multivariable statistical method. The result shows that the correlation between content of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and hyperspectral reflectance of 400~550nm and 1000~2500nm is more distinguished than other bands, and that the correlation enhanced remarkably after the original spectra derivate transformed. The first derivate stepwise linear regression model is optimal for retrieving soil heavy metal content in different period, with a minimum determination coefficient of 0.92 and maximum RMSE of 1.83. The relationship of As with reflectance spectra was affected by ferriferous oxides, organic matter and carbonate mineral; of Cd, Cu and Ni, by ferriferous oxides, clay mineral and organic matter, respectively; of Cr, by many factors; and of Pb, by both ferriferous oxides and clay mineral.