In Hungary, summer crops have now  been harvested and winter crops (wheat and barley) have been planted.

Accumulated rainfall was below average  (RAIN -25%) while temperature and especially radiation and the resulting BIOMSS were above (TEMP +0.7°C, RADPAR +5%, BIOMSS +11%). According to the national NDVI development graphs, crop condition was above average from July to early August and below average from late August to October. Some spatial and temporal detail is provided  by NDVI clusters: NDVI was above average throughout the monitoring period in 15.6% of arable land, below average throughout in 12.0% and just about average in 25.9%.

With the maximum VCI value at the national level reaching 0.91 and the cropped arable land fraction (CALF) at 100% (unchanged compared to the recent five-year average) crop condition is assessed as below but close to average.

Regional analysis 

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones and topographic conditions, Hungary is divided into four sub-regions: Northern Hungary, Central Hungary, the Great Plain (Puszta) and Transdanubia. Specific observations for the reporting period are included for each region. All sub-regions are characterized by unchanged fractions of cultivated arable land (CALF) compared to average, i.e. 100%, indicating full cropping.

Central Hungary is one of the major agricultural regions in terms of  crop production. A sizable share of winter wheat, maize and sunflower is planted in this region. According to the NDVI development graphs, NDVI was above average from July to early August, below average from late August to October. Agro-climatic conditions include above average radiation (RADPAR +6%), temperature (TEMP +0.6°C), biomass(BIOMASS +10.8%) and below average rainfall (RAIN, -29%). The Cropping Intensity was 128(+9%). The VCIx was just fair at 0.87. The crop production in this region is expected to be below but close to average.

Northern Hungary is another important winter wheat region. During this reporting period crops showed favorable conditions according to the crop condition graph. The RAIN was below average (-21%) while temperature, radiation and biomass increased (TEMP +0.3°C, RADPAR +6%, BIOMSS +7%). The Cropping Intensity was 148%  (+15%). The VCIx was favorable at 0.91.The crop production in this region is expected to be close to average.

The Puszta region grows mostly winter wheat, maize and sunflower especially in the counties of Jaz-Nagykum-Szolnok and Bekes. According to the NDVI development graph, crop condition was above average from July to early August and below average from late August to October. The rainfall was below average (-16.5%) but temperature, radiation and biomass were all above average (TEMP +0.5°C,  RADPAR +5%, BIOMSS +8%). The Cropping Intensity was 115 (down 4%)，the maximum VCI was 0.91.The crop production in this region is expected to be below but close to average.

Southern Transdanubia cultivates winter wheat, maize, and sunflower, mostly in Somogy and Tolna counties. Crop condition was  below average from July to early August,and above average from late August to October. The RAIN was below average (-35%) with all temperature, radiation and biomass above average (TEMP +1°C, RADPAR +5%, BIOMSS +14%). The Cropping Intensity was 144 (+19%). The maximum VCI was favorable at 0.87.The crop production in this region is expected to be below average.

Figure.3.20. Hungary’s crop condition, July ‐ October 2019

Figure 3.20 (a) Phenology Model

Figure 3.20 (b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI  (c) Maximum VCI  

 Figure 3.20 (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 (Great Plain (left) and Western Transdanubia (right))

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

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