The condition of springcrops is generally favorable in Inner Mongolia for the current reportingperiod: Rainfall (RAIN) and temperature (TEMP) indices were above the thirteen-yearaverage (24% and 0.8°C), which benefited crop growth and resulted in a significantBIOMSS increase (16%). As a result, conditions were favorable for the sowingand growing of spring crops, as illustrated in the crop development graph fromApril to June. In July, however, dry weather affected crop growth, which isclearly shown by sharply decreasing NDVI profiles. West Liaoning, central andsoutheastern parts of Inner Mongolia, northern Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi, andHebei all suffered unfavorable vegetation condition according to the VCIx map,as further confirmed by the map of uncropped areas and potential BIOMSS.

Figure4.7. Crop condition China Inner Mongolia region, April-July 2014