In Hungary, summer crops were harvested in September and October. Winter cereals, mainly wheat and barley, were sown in September and October. 

At the national level, accumulated rainfall was above average (RAIN +39%), temperature increased by 0.3°C, and radiation decreased by 2%, which resulted in slightly above-average BIOMSS (BIOMSS +1%). According to the national NDVI development graphs, crop conditions were above average from July to mid-September but below average from late September to October.

Some spatial and temporal detail is provided by NDVI clusters: There were two main remarkable areas where the NDVI departure across the period was significant: As shown in Figure 3.20d, the green area has excellent crop conditions (24.2% of the area). It is mainly located in far western and eastern Hungary, where the NDVI departure was above average. The blue color region (12.0%), mainly located in central Hungary, represents poor crop conditions. About 27.6% of the area extending from west to east of Hungry, NDVI was above average from July to August, but below average from September to October. For about 17.9% of the area, located in mid-east region of Hungary, NDVI was above average from July to mid-September, but below average from late September to October. For about 18.4% of the area, located in northeastern Hungary, NDVI was below average from July to early August, but above average from September to October. 

With the maximum VCI value reaching 0.95 at the national level and the cropped arable land fraction (CALF) at 100%, crop conditions are estimated as favorable. 

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 the 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 August, below average from September to October. Agro-climatic conditions include above-average rainfall (RAIN, +25%) and temperature (TEMP +0.3°C), and below-average radiation (RADPAR -2%), which resulted in above-average biomass (BIOMASS +2%). The VCIx was 0.93. Cropping Intensity was 102%. The crop production in this region is expected to be favorable.

The Puszta region mainly grows winter wheat, maize and sunflower especially in the counties of Jaz-Nagykum-Szolnok and Bekes. According to the NDVI development graph, crop conditions were above average from July to mid-September and below average after then. The rainfall was above average (+46%). Temperature was also above average (TEMP +0.2°C), whereas radiation was below (RADPAR -2%), which resulted in average biomass. The maximum VCI was 0.97. Cropping Intensity was 103%. The crop production in this region is expected to be close to average.

Northern Hungary is another important winter wheat region. During this reporting period crops showed favorable conditions according to the NDVI development curve. They were above average from July to mid-September and below average from late September to October. The rainfall was above average (RAIN +54%). Temperature was slightly above average (TEMP +0.1°C), and radiation was below average (RADPAR -3%). Estimated biomass decreased slightly (BIOMASS -3%). The maximum VCI was 0.96. Cropping Intensity was 106%. The crop production in this region is expected to be close to average.

Southern Transdanubia cultivates winter wheat, maize, and sunflower, mostly in Somogy and Tolna counties. Crop condition was close to average in July and October, above average from August to early September, and below average in mid-September. Rainfall and temperature were above average (RAIN +26%; TEMP +0.5°C) , whereas solar radiation was below average (RADPAR -2%) and biomass was slightly above (BIOMSS +3%). The maximum VCI was favorable at 0.91. Cropping Intensity was 101%. The crop production in this region is expected to be favorable.

Summer crops production is expected to be slightly above average and the prospects for the winter wheat are favorable as well. 

Figure 3.18 Hungary’s crop condition, July-October 2020

(a). Phenology of major crops

(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 3.27 Hungary’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, July-October 2020 

Table 3.28 Hungary’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, July-October 2020