Germany

During this reporting period, winter wheat and barley were at the vegetative stage, and maize was being planted. Generally, the crops in Germany showed above average condition in most regions.

For the country, total precipitation (as measured by the RAIN indicator) was 5% above average, temperature was well above average (Temp, +1.2°C) and radiation just above (RADPAR, +1%). Significantly above average precipitation occurred throughout the country from January to early-February, early March to mid-March and after mid-April. In addition to late January and early April to mid-April, warmer-than-usual conditions prevailed over the entire country during this reporting period. Due to favorable temperature and adequate water supply, the biomass production potential (BIOMSS) is expected to increase  9% over average nationwide.

As shown in the national crop condition development graph and the NDVI profiles, national NDVI values were below average before early February, then close to and above the average from mid-February to mid-April, and then again below average after mid-April. These observations are confirmed by the NDVI profiles and  63.9% of regional NDVI values were above average after early February according to the NDVI profiles. The spatial pattern is reflected by VCIx, especially in the southern Bavarian Plateau area, with a VCIx of 0.93 for Germany overall. The outlook of winter crops is above average. CALF during the reporting period was 99%, the same as the recent five-year average.  

Generally, the values of agronomic indicators show favorable condition for most winter crops and the sowing of summer crops in Germany. 

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones, and topographic conditions, six sub-national agro-ecological regions are adopted for Germany. They include: the Wheat zone of Schleswig-Holstein and the Baltic coast, Mixed wheat and sugar beets zone of the north-west, Central wheat zone of Saxony and Thuringia, Sparse crop area of the east-German lake and Heathland area, Western sparse crop area of the Rhenish massif, and the Bavarian Plateau.  

Schleswig-Holstein and the Baltic coast is among the major winter wheat zones of Germany. The region experienced warm weather (TEMP,  +1.8°C)  and radiation above average  (RADPAR, +1%); RAIN was  average. As a result, BIOMSS is expected to increase by 13% compared to average. As shown in the crop condition development graph based on NDVI, the values were above average or over the five year maximum, except late in January. The area has a high CALF (100%) as well as a favorable VCIx (0.96), indicating high cropped area and favorable crop prospects. 

Wheat and sugar-beets are major crops in the Mixed wheat and sugar-beets zone of the north-west. Compared to average, RAIN was above (+12%),  and so were temperature (TEMP +1.3°C), radiation (RADPAR +1%) and BIOMSS (+12%). As shown in the crop condition development graph based on NDVI, the values were above average or over the five year maximum during this monitoring period. The area has a high CALF (100%)  and crop condition for the region is good according to the high VCIx (0.94).

Central wheat zone of Saxony and Thuringia is another major winter wheat zone. RAIN and TEMP were above average (+3% and +1.3°C, respectively) and radiation was average. Mostly due to favourable temperature condition, the biomass potential (BIOMSS indicator) increased by 9% above average. As shown in the crop condition development graph based on NDVI, the values were below average before early February, and above those of 2018 and close to average after early February. The area has a high CALF (99%)  and the VCIx of 0.92 for this region also shows favorable crop prospects.

Crop condition was fair in the East-German lake and Heathland sparse crop area and Western sparse crop area of the Rhenish massif. Adequate rain was recorded in those two regions  (RAIN +8% and +18%, respectively), as well as significantly above average temperatures (+1.5°C and +1.0°C). Radiation in East-German lake and Heathland sparse crop area was above average (RADPAR +2%) and  and below average (-2%) in Western sparse crop area of the Rhenish massif.  Due to adequate rain and suitable temperature condition, BIOMSS was higher by 11% and 13%,respectively, compared to the average of the past 15 years, and CALF was at 99% for both. As shown in the crop condition development graph based on NDVI, the values in East-German lake and Heathland sparse crop area was below average in early January, then above average from mid-January to mid-April, and again below average after mid-April; the values in Western sparse crop area of the Rhenish massif was above those of 2018 during this reporting period, except January. Overall, favorable crop condition was recorded with high VCIx values of 0.89 for the eastern and 0.98 for the western areas, respectively,  showing favorable crop prospects for two regions. 

Next to wheat, two summer crops (maize and potato) are the major crops on the Bavarian Plateau. The CropWatch agroclimatic indicators show that close to normal weather was recorded for  RAIN (-7%), TEMP (+0.8°C) and RADPAR (+1%). Compared to average, BIOMSS increased 2%. The area has a high CALF (98%) as well as a favorable VCIx (0.90), indicating high cropped area and favorable winter crop prospects.

Figure 3.15. Germany’s crop condition, January-April 2019

Figure 3.15a. Germany phenology of major crops

Figure 3.15b. Germnay national level crop condition development graph based on NDVI, comparing the January-April 2019 period to the previous season and the five-year average (5YA) and maximum

Figure 3.15c. Germany maximum VCI for January-April 2019 by pixel

Figure 3.15d. Germany spatial NDVI patterns up to April 2019 according to local cropping patterns and compared to the 5YA (left) and (e) associated NDVI profiles (right)

Figure 3.15f. Wheat zone of Schleswig-Holstein and the Baltic coast crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.15g. Mixed wheat and sugarbeets zone of the north-west crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.15h. Central wheat zone of Saxony and Thuringia crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.15i. East-German lake and Heathland sparse crop area crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.15j. Western sparse crop area of the Rhenish massif crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.15k. Bavarian Plateau crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Table 3.17. Germany agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, January-April 2019

Table 3.18. Germany agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's value and departure from 5YA/15YA, January-April 2019