The monitoring period observed the sowing and initial growth phases of winter wheat in the Loess region. Winter wheat was planted between September and October and is currently in the dormancy stage.

According to the CropWatch Agroclimatic Indicators (CWAIs), the rainfall (△RAIN +18%), temperature (△TEMP +0.9℃), and radiation (△RADPAR +3%) in this region exceeded the 15-year average. These climatic conditions collectively contributed to an increased potential for biomass production (△BIOMASS +16%). The analysis of rainfall profiles indicates that the 15-year maximum was surpassed during parts of November, December, and January. Precipitation during other periods was generally above average, but it was below average at the end of October and November. The above-average rainfall will be beneficial for crop development during the green-up stage.

The clustering map of NDVI departures indicates that crop growth in most areas of the Loess region was close to average. The spikes in late December can be attributed to cloud cover in the satellite images or snow on the ground. Approximately 15.3% of the region experienced below-average growth. The maximum value of VCIx was 0.86, and the CPI of the Loess region was 0.96.

Overall, crop conditions were average with a favorable outlook due to above-average rainfall.

Figure 4. 11 Crop condition China Loess region, October 2023 - January 2024

(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