The condition of spring crops was generally unfavorable in Inner Mongolia for the current reporting period. Among the CropWatch agroclimatic indicators, RAIN was well above average (+46%), but its temporal and spatial distribution was not homogeneous; temperature was below average (TEMP, -0.4°C) with no change in radiation, which resulted in an increase of the biomass accumulation potential (BIOMSS) of about 11%.

As a result, conditions were almost average for the sowing and growing of spring crops, as illustrated in the crop development graph from April to early May. Since late May, however, reduced rainfall affecting crop growth is clearly shown by decreasing NDVI profiles, and detailed information is displayed in spatial NDVI patterns and profiles. Until late July, crop condition was close to average. West Jilin, southeast of Inner Mongolia, central Ningxia, north of Shaanxi, and Shanxi all suffered unfavorable vegetation condition according to spatial NDVI patterns and the VCIx map (the maximum value was below 0.5). The potential biomass was poor as well in the area mentioned above. Generally, crop condition was unfavorable from April to July. If unfavorable conditions are maintained over the whole cycle, crop growth will be restricted and the outcome may be a poor season.

a. Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

b. Maximum VCI

c. Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA

d. NDVI profiles

e. Biomass