Winter wheat is the main crop currently in the field in Hungary.

All agro-climatic indicators were above or close to average: RAIN +21.7%, RADPAR +4.3%, and TEMP +0.7°C, which led to a 16% increase in BIOMSS compared with the five-year average. NDVI values, however, were below average according to the national crop condition development graph. About half the croplands had close to average NDVI (Fejer, Bacskiskun, Csongrad, Tolna, Vas and Zala) while less favorable condition prevailed in the Northern Great Plain such as Helves, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Bekes, and Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg. The national average VCIx was fair (0.78), and the cropped arable land fraction decreased by 17% compared to its five-year average.

Regional analysis

CropWatch has adopted four agro-ecological zones (AEZ) to provide a more detailed spatial analysis for the country. They include North Hungary, Central Hungary, the Puszta and Transdanubia. Specific observations for the reporting period are included for each region.

Cultivated arable land (CALF) decreased in all sub-regions: 14% in North Hungary region, 1% in Southern Transdanubia, and by 7% and 35% in Central Hungary and Puszta sub-regions, respectively.

Central Hungary is one of its major agricultural regions in terms of crop production for winter wheat, maize and sunflower are planted in this region. The NDVI was below average. Agro-climatic conditions were above average for rainfall and radiation (RAIN 186 mm or +14%; RADPAR 350 MJ/m2 or +3%), and temperature was close to average (TEMP, +0.6°C). Compared to the 5YA, the biomass production potential was above average (BIOMSS, +12%) while VCIx reached 0.82.

In North Hungary grows 5 to 8% of the national winter wheat, and 1 to 4% of maize. The NDVI was below average from October to January. The accumulated rainfall (RAIN +17%), temperature (TEMP 0.6°C), and radiation (RADPAR +5.3%) were above average, resulting in a biomass production potential increase in this region (BIOMSS +16%).

The Puszta region grows mostly winter wheat, maize and sunflower especially in the counties of Jaz-Nagykum-Szolnok and Bekes. According to the crop condition graph, NDVI values were below average. The biomass potential increased by 35% due to high rainfall and radiation (RAIN 53% and RADPAR 2.1%); temperature was close to average (TEMP +0.6°C). The maximum VCIx reached 0.67, indicating a far crop.

Southern Transdanubia cultivates winter wheat, maize and sunflower, mostly in Somogy and Tolna counties while smaller areas are planted in northern Transdanubia.  All agro-climatic indicators were about average: RAIN +3%, TEMP 0.9°C and RADPAR +6.1%. The biomass increased by just 2%. The maximum VCI (0.91) stands for good crops in the Transdanubia region.

(a). Phenology of major crops 

(b). Crop condition development graph based on NDVI          (c).  Maximum VCI 

(d). Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA                            (e). NDVI profiles

(f). Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Central Hungary (left) and North Hungary (right)) 

(g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Puszta (left) and Western Transdanubia (right)) 

Table 3.40. Hungary’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, October 2018 - January 2019 

Table 3.41. Hungary’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, October 2018 - January 2019