In South Africa, soybean and maize are the main crops being produced during this monitoring period. In the east, maize harvest started in May, whereas in the west, it started one month later. Soybean harvest began in April and wheat planting in May.

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 slightly below the 15-year average (RADPAR -3%). With a significantly increased rainfall (RAIN +36%) and average temperature (TEMP -0.3℃), the potential biomass increased by 12% compared to the 15-year average mainly due to the abundant rainfall. The maximum vegetation condition index (VCIx) was 0.89, and the cropped arable land fraction (CALF) increased by 9% 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 68.5% of the cropland were close and above average mainly in the central and northern parts, and on about 31.5% were below average mainly in the southwestern regions during the whole monitoring period, respectively. 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. Water is generally limiting crop production in South Africa. Its government has developed several large water facilities, which have increased the irrigated area of the country by 40%, and the yield of crops has generally increased in recent years. Overall, crop conditions were favorable.

Regional analysis

Rainfall in the Arid and desert zones was significantly above average (95mm, +18%) and the temperature was near average (11.8°C, -0.6°C), whereas radiation was slightly below average (-1%), and potential biomass increased by 3% due to the abundant rainfall. Cropped arable land fraction (CALF) increased significantly (+35%) and VCIx was 0.91. 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 in April. Crop production is expected to be favorable.

In the Humid Cape Fold mountains, the temperature was near average (-0.4°C), and radiation was slightly below average (-4%). With abundant rainfall (+35%), potential biomass was significantly above the 15-year average (+15%). CALF was 97% and VCIx was 0.90. The crop condition development graph based on NDVI also indicates favorable crop conditions.

In the Mediterranean zone, the temperature was below average (-1.2°C), while rainfall witnessed a significant decrease (-33%) and radiation was slightly above average (+4%). The estimated potential biomass was significantly decreased by 23% due to the insufficient rainfall. CALF decreased slightly (82%, -1%) and VCIx was 0.72. According to the crop condition development graph, the NDVI was close to or below the 5-year average for most of the period. Crop conditions initially were unfavorable but recovered to close to average for this important wheat production region by the end of this monitoring period.

In the Dry Highveld and Bushveld maize areas, rainfall (RAIN +59%) was significantly above the 15-year average and temperature was near average (-0.2°C). Radiation was slightly below average (-4%). Potential biomass increased by 20%. CALF above the 5YA (95%, +11%) and VCIx was 0.91. Notably, during this monitoring period, the area was in the rainy season. 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, April - July 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, April - July 2022

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