During the reporting period, maize was harvested in late September and early October, and winter wheat was planted in October. Crop conditions in the Loess Region were close to the 5YA from July to early September and close to the 5-year maximum in late September and October. The CropWatch Agroclimatic Indicators (CWAIs) show that rainfall (RAIN) increased by 53%, temperature (TEMP) was above average by 0.1°C, and radiation (RADPAR) was reduced by 1% compared to the 15 YA. The potential biomass (BIOMSS) was above average by 12%. However, the precipitation was decreased in western Gansu, northern Shaanxi and northwest Shanxi which resulted in lower potential biomass.

According to the regional NDVI development graph, the crop conditions were significantly higher than the 5YA in late September and October. Precipitation also exceeded the maximum of the past 15 years by far from late September to early October. The heavy rainfall during the harvest season in late September and early October caused delays in harvest and impacted the quality of maize. NDVI clusters and profiles show that crop conditions in most parts of the region were close to average. The Maximum VCI map shows high VCIx average values with 0.89 in most cropped areas of the region. CALF was at 96% which is in line with the 5YA. Cropping intensity (CI+3%) was above the 5YA. All in all, during the monitoring period, the Loess Region's overall crop conditions were favorable.

Figure.a Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure.b Spatial distribution of NDVI profiles

Figure.c Time-series rainfall profile

Figure.d Time-series temperature profile

Figure.e Maximum VCI

Figure.f Potential biomass departure from 5YA

Figure.g Click to edit 

Figure.h Click to edit