In South Africa, soybean and maize are the main crops being produced during this monitoring period. In the west, maize planting finished in January and harvest will start in June. In the east, maize harvest started in April.  Soybean was grown from January to March and harvest began in April.

Based on the NDVI development graph, the crop conditions were above the 5-year average during the entire monitoring period. At the national level, the CropWatch agroclimatic indicators show that radiation was above the 15-year average (RADPAR +2%). With a lower rainfall (RAIN -40%) and average temperature (TEMP +0.1℃), the potential biomass decreased by 16% compared to the 15-year average mainly due to the below average rainfall. The maximum vegetation condition index (VCIx) was 0.92, and the cropped arable land fraction (CALF) increased by 4% compared with the last 5 years. According to the VCIx, conditions in the Mediterranean zone, where wheat is an important crop, were better than in the western region (Gauteng, Mpumalanga). As to the spatial distribution of NDVI profiles, crop conditions on about 15.7% of the cropland were below average mainly in the central and southern parts, and on about 57.6% above average mainly in the northern regions during the whole monitoring period, respectively. Crop conditions on 19.2% were above average until March, then below average, and 7.4% was below average until February and then above average. The areas with negative departures were mainly in the center of the western region, most located in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and Orange free state province. Overall, crop conditions were favorable.

Regional analysis

Rainfall in the Arid and desert zones was significantly below average (88mm, -22%) and the temperature was near average (20.6°C, -0.1°C), whereas radiation was slightly above average (+2%), and potential biomass decreased by 5% due to the insufficient rainfall. Cropped arable land fraction (CALF) increased significantly (+21%) and VCIx was 0.99. The crop condition development graph based on NDVI indicates that the crop conditions were generally above the 5-year average and even above the 5-year maximum after March. Crop production is expected to be favorable.

In the Humid Cape Fold mountains, the temperature was near average (+0.4 °C), and rainfall was below average (-25%). With lower rainfall, potential biomass was below the 15-year average (-8%). CALF was 97% and VCIx was 0.93. The crop condition development graph based on NDVI also indicates normal crop conditions.

In the Mediterranean zone, the temperature was near average (19.5 °C, +0.2 °C), while rainfall witnessed a significant decrease (68 mm, -31%) and radiation was slightly above average (+1%). The estimated potential biomass decreased by 8% due to the insufficient rainfall. CALF increased substantially (29%, +44%) and VCIx was 0.94. According to the crop condition development graph, the NDVI was above the 5-year average for most of the period and even above 5-year maximum in January. Crop conditions were favorable.

In the Dry Highveld and Bushveld maize areas, rainfall (RAIN -44%) was below the 15-year average and temperature was near average (+0.1°C). Radiation was near average (+2%). Potential biomass decreased by 20%. CALF was slightly above the 5YA (99%, +3%) and VCIx was 0.91. Notably, during this monitoring period, the area was in the rainy season. The rainfall was below average, but able to sustain the crop growth(RAIN 127mm). Therefore, maize was not under water stress and the crop condition development graph based on NDVI shows that the NDVI was above the 5-year average for most of the period.  In all, the crop conditions were favorable.

Figure 3.45 South Africa's crop condition, January - April 2022

(a) Phenology of the main Crop

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI  

(c) Maximum VCI

(d) Rainfall index 

(e) Temperature index

(f) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA        (g) NDVI profiles

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI Arid desert (left) and Humid sub-tropical (right)

(i) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI semiarid steppe (left)  and Mediterranean (right)

Table3.81 South Africa's agro-climatic indicators by sub‐national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, January - April 2022

Table3.82 South Africa's agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departures from 5YA, January - April 2022