During this monitoring period, the harvest of winter wheat was mostly completed by the end of July. Harvest of the summer crops, such as maize and sunflowers, started in September. Sowing of the new winter wheat crop was completed by October.

At the national level, accumulated rainfall was above average (ΔRAIN +5%), temperature increased by 2.1°C, and radiation was also above average (ΔPADPAR +2%). BIOMSS was above average (ΔBIOMSS +9%). According to the national NDVI development graphs, NDVI was below average in July, September, and October, while it was equal to the average in August. The Cropping Intensity (CI) was 145% (+10%). The maximum VCI value reached 0.81 at the national level and the cropped arable land fraction (CALF) was at 100%. 

Some spatial and temporal detail is provided by the NDVI clusters: 38.3% of arable land in Hungary was below average during this monitoring period, distributed mainly in the Great Plain (Puszta). 29.7% of arable land in Hungary was above average during this monitoring period, distributed mainly in eastern Hungary and western Hungary. 12.7% of arable land in Hungary was above average from July to early September and below average mid-September to October, scattered throughout Hungary. 19.3% of arable land in Hungary was above average from July to early August and below average mid-August to October, scattered throughout in the Great Plain and central Hungary. 

There was a prolonged period with a large rainfall deficit from August to September. It caused a drop in NDVI to below average levels starting from September. All in all, conditions for crop production can be assessed as fair in all regions of Hungary. High rainfall in late October helped with the germination and early development of the winter cereals.

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones and topographic  conditions,  Hungary  is  divided  into  four sub-regions: Northern Hungary (88), Central Hungary (87), the Great Plain (Puszta) (86) and Transdanubia (89). Specific observations for the reporting period are included for each region.

Central Hungary (87) is one of the major agricultural regions in terms of crop production. A sizeable share of winter wheat, maize and sunflower is planted in this region. According to the national NDVI development graphs, NDVI was below average in July, September, and October, while it was equal to the average in August. Agro-climatic conditions include below-average rainfall (ΔRAIN -5%), and above-average radiation (ΔRADPAR +2%) and temperature (ΔTEMP +2.3°C). Biomass was above average (ΔBIOMSS +9%). The VCIx was 0.79. CALF was 99%. Cropping intensity was 147% (+19%). However, NDVI remained below average starting from September due to the rainfall deficit. 

The Puszta (86) region mainly grows winter wheat, maize and sunflower, especially in the counties of Jaz-Nagykum-Szolnok and Bekes. According to the NDVI development graphs, crop conditions were below average during this monitoring period. Total rainfall was below average (-3%). Temperature (ΔTEMP +2.2°C) and radiation (ΔRADPAR +3%) was above average. Biomass was above average (ΔBIOMSS +7%). The maximum VCI was 0.76. CALF was 99%. Cropping intensity was 136% (+5%). 

Northern Hungary (88) is another important winter wheat region. According to the NDVI development curve, crop conditions were hovering around the average in July and Auguest, below average in September and October. Total rainfall was below average (ΔRAIN -22%). Temperature (ΔTEMP +2.5°C) and radiation (ΔRADPAR +1%) was above average. Biomass was above average (BIOMSS -1%). The maximum VCI was 0.82. Cropping intensity was 154% (+13%). CALF was 100%. 

Southern Transdanubia (89) cultivates winter wheat, mostly in Somogy and Tolna counties. According to the NDVI development curve, crop conditions were hovering around the average in July and August, below average in September and October. The rainfall was above average (ΔRAIN +22%). Temperature (ΔTEMP +1.7°C) and radiation (ΔRADPAR +1%) was above average. Estimated biomass increased (ΔBIOMSS +14%). The maximum VCI was 0.87. Cropping intensity was 152% (+14%). CALF was 100%. 

Figure 3.19 Hungary’s crop condition, July-October 2023

(a). Phenology of major crops

(b) Maximum VCI

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

(e) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, Time series rainfall profile and temperature profile

(f) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, Time series rainfall profile and temperature profile (Central Hungary)

(g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, Time series rainfall profile and temperature profile (The Greatplain)

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, Time series rainfall profile and temperature profile (North Hungary)

(i) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, Time series rainfall profile and temperature profile (Southern Transdanubia)

Table 3.30 Hungary’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, July-October 2023 

Table 3.31 Hungary’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, July-October 2023