During this reporting period, winter wheat was harvested in June and July. Summer crops, especially maize, rice, sunflower and soybeans were planted in April and early May. According to the NDVI development graph, crop conditions were below average in all reporting periods. 

At the national level, rainfall (-7%), temperature (-0.5 ºC) and solar radiation (RADPAR -2%) were all below the 15YA. Precipitation in April and May was near average, which was favorable for wheat growth. Potential biomass production was 1% above average. 

CALF was 99%, and VCIx was 0.88. Except for a few areas in the north and central part of the country (Piemonte, Lombardia, Veneto and Lazio), the VCIx was above 0.80 for most of the cultivated land. The crop condition development graph indicates that NDVI was below average in this reporting period. In summary, the overall crop conditions during this period were near average.

About 12.5% of the crops, mainly located in the Po Valley and Eastern Italy (Puglia and Emilia-Romagna), showed a positive departure from the 5YA in April and May, but were below average in June and July. 12.4% of arable land experienced below-average crop conditions, scattered in Umbria, Puglia and Sicilia. About 19.4% of arable land (mainly in Piemonte, Lombardia and Veneto) experienced  below-average crop conditions between April and early June, above-average conditions in mid-June, and then below-average between late June and July. On about 32.5% of arable land, NDVI was near average in April and early May, and then below average until late July. For the remaining 23.2% of arable land, NDVI hovered above or below average, which was scattered in Toscana, Lazio and Campania. 

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones and topographic conditions, four sub-national regions can be distinguished for Italy. These four regions are East coast, Po Valley, Islands and Western Italy.

East coast (mainly in Puglia, Marche and Abruzzi) experienced below-average rainfall (RAIN -37%), above-average temperature (TEMP +0.2°C) and slightly above average solar radiation (RADPAR +2%). Although the precipitation was below average, it was sufficient for the growth of winter wheat in April and May. The potential production showed a slightly increase (BIOMSS +2%). VCIx was 0.88. The crop condition development graph indicates that NDVI was close to the average of the past five years from April to mid-May and below the average from late May to July. Close-to-average wheat crop production can be expected.

Crop production in the Po Valley (mainly in Piemonte, Lombardia and Veneto) was affected by slightly higher rainfall (RAIN +3%) and below-average temperature (TEMP -1.0°C) and solar radiation (RADPAR -2%). BIOMSS was below the 15YA by 5% and VCIx reached 0.87. The crop condition development graph indicates that the crop condition was near average during the entire reporting period. According to the agro-climatic indicators, a near-average output can be expected.

The Islands recorded a below-average precipitation (RAIN -12%) with above-average temperature (TEMP +0.3°C). RADPAR was slightly below average (-2%). BIOMSS increased by 7% compared with the 15YA. VCIx was 0.91. NDVI was close to average throughout the monitoring period. The crop production in this region is expected to be close to average.

In Western Italy, RAIN (-20%), RADPAR (-1%) and TEMP (TEMP -0.4°C) were all below average. Although the precipitation was below average, it was sufficient for the growth of winter wheat in April and May, and the biomass production potential increased in this region (BIOMSS +2%). The NDVI was below average from April to early May. It reached average levels from mid-May to mid-June, and was below average from late June to July. VCIx reached 0.87. CropWatch expects an average production.

Figure 3.22 Italy's crop condition,  April 2021- July 2021

(a). Phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP

(c) Maximum VCI

(d) Spatial distribution of NDVI profiles

(e) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (West Italy)

(f) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (North Italy)

(g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (South Italy)

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (East Italy)

Table 3.35 Italy's agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, April-July 2021

Table 3.36 Italy's agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA,  April-July 2021