Crop condition inHuanghuaihai region was generally unfavorable from April to July. Theharvesting of winter crops (mainly winter wheat and rapeseeds) concluded inJune. Currently, maize is in the tasseling stage. Huanghuaihai experienced generallybelow normal precipitation and above average temperature, which induced a 5%decrease in BIOMSS. The most severe decline in BIOMSS was observed in centralHenan, central Hebei, and central and eastern Shandong due to drought. Accordingto the spatial NDVI patterns (compared to the 5YA) and the corresponding NDVIprofiles, NDVI for most areas in the region is at an average level, with theexception of central Shandong and the west coast of Bohai Bay. Across theregion, the crop condition development graph shows that crop condition is belowboth last year’s and the five-year average, indicating a decreased expectationof maize yield. Meanwhile, cropped arable land was 0.7% below average for theregion from April to July, a significant decrease in planted area. Areas withlow VCIx value are found mostly in the north-east of the region, which is consistentwith the distribution of BIOMSS and other indicators.

Figure4.8. Crop condition China Huanghuaihai region, April-July 2014