In Poland, maize planting begins in May, while winter wheat harvesting starts in July. Over the reporting period, the cropped arable land fraction (CALF) remained the same as the average of the last five years. During April to July, rainfall (RAIN) was up 11% compared to average. Both temperature (TEMP) and radiation (RADPAR) were near average, while the potential biomass (BIOMSS) increased 5% due to the sufficient rainfall.

As shown in the NDVI crop condition development graph, the NDVI in Poland is below average but comparable to the previous 2014-15 season. In most parts of the country with the exception of the southwest, NDVI was lower than usual until May due to the poor weather conditions early in the season; afterwards, however, NDVI recovered as a result of sufficient rainfall. In the southwest, including Dolnosalaskie and Wielkopolskie, crop development is slightly advanced. Considering the average VCIx of 0.87, the final assessment for Poland is that crop condition is mixed but fair. 

Figure 3.25. Poland cropcondition, April - July 2016

(a) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI      (b) Maximum VCI

(c) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA                      (d) NDVI profiles