During the reporting period, single season crops (maize, wheat and soybean) were grown in Inner Mongolia. Overall, the crop conditions were normal. Both RAIN (+4%) and TEMP (+0.3°C) were slightly above average. RADPAR was close to average, resulting in an average estimate for BIOMSS. The spatial and temporal distribution for these indicators was very uneven. Precipitation was insufficient in some region in Northern Shaanxi, Central Ningxia and Central Inner Mongolia, which may have had a negative impact on the rain-fed crops. As illustrated in the crop development graph from May to July, 29.3% of the cropped areas displayed consistently below-average NDVI in the precipitation deficit affected areas mentioned above from May to July. This is confirmed by VCIx values being lower than 0.5 in these areas, where the biomass accumulation potential (BIOMSS) was also well below average. 26.5% of the cropped areas displayed consistently average NDVI during the reporting period, while the rest of the cropped areas improved in June and July.

The fraction of cropped arable land (CALF) reached 95%; VCIx was above average (0.90). Crop conditions were slightly above average during the reporting period, which is consistent with the agricultural production situation index (1.14). The final outcome of the season will depend on weather conditions in August and September.

Figure 4.9 Crop condition China Inner Mongolia, April - July 2022

(a) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI     

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

(d) Time series rainfall profile

(e)Time series temperature profile

(f) Maximum VCI

(g) Biomass departure