The condition of maize and soybean, the main summer crops in Inner Mongolia, was generally unfavorable during the reporting period. Rainfall was well above average (RAIN, +57%), but its temporal and spatial distribution was not homogeneous; both the east and the west of the region suffered dry weather from June. Temperature (TEMP) and radiation (RADPAR) were low but close to average (-0.4°C and -3% respectively). Altogether, the region experienced a large potential biomass (BIOMSS) increase of 33% compared to the recent five years.

The crop development graph indicates poor crop condition from June but with average NDVI at peak growing season. East and northeast Inner Mongolia, central Ningxia, and north Shaanxi suffered from drought, which affected crop growth; below average NDVI profiles started in June in about 29% of the region. The potential biomass was poor as well in the area mentioned above. Until mid-August, decreased rainfall affecting crop growth is clearly shown by below-average NDVI, which is confirmed by the spatial NDVI patterns and profiles in about 7% of the region. Thereafter, crop condition improved and reached—and sometimes exceeded—the maximum of the last five years from late August to mid-September. The relief, however, came late and the drought at critical growing periods may eventually influence the crops' condition and yield at local sacle. From late September, below average conditions had little effect as the crops had reached maturity and were ready to harvest, even if excess rainfall locally hampered harvesting. According to the CropWatch indicators, maize production decreased by 7% in Inner Mongolia mainly due to the reduced planted area and by 6% in Shaanxi compared with the previous season mainly because of both decreased yield and planted area.

a. Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

b. Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA, c. NDVI profiles

d. Maximum VCI

e. Biomass