Above average crop condition prevailed in Germany over the monitoring period. Winter wheat, spring spring, and maize are the main grain crops of Germany, and currently winter wheat has been harvested while the other two are nearing harvest. The CropWatch agroclimatic indicators show above average rainfall (RAIN, +14%), close to average but cool temperature (TEMP, -0.4°C), and radiation at the national level significantly below average (RADPAR, -5%). Above average rainfall occurred throughout the country, with the largest positive departure occurring from late June to early July. With favorable moisture and temperature, biomass (BIOMSS) is expected to increase by 11% nationwide compared to the five-year average. 

As shown by the crop condition development graph, national NDVI values were first above average in mid-April, then below average from early May to early June due to rain deficit and low temperature, next again above average in mid-June due to good soil moisture and suitable temperature condition, and finally below average after early July due to a lack of cool temperature. These observations are confirmed by the NDVI profiles. Winter crops had generally favorable or even very favorable condition, with high VCIx areas and NDVI clusters showing this pattern. Summer crops also are about average in most of the country according to the NDVI profiles, a spatial pattern again reflected by VCIx in the different areas, with a VCIx of 0.94 for Germany overall.

In this monitoring period, the seeded area is close to that of last year's, and, due to favorable condition, the production of wheat and maize is estimated at respectively 0.1% and 1.9% above 2016 values.

Generally, the values of agronomic indicators show favorable condition for most winter and summer crops in Germany.

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones, and topographic conditions, six sub-national regions can be distinguished for Germany, among which three are relevant for crops cultivation. These three regions are the northern wheat zone, northwest mixed wheat and sugarbeets zone, central wheat zone. 

Northern wheat zone

This sub-region is the major winter wheat zone of Germany. Above average crop condition is indicated by the region's NDVI development profile. At 362 mm, RAIN was well above average (+48%) with somewhat cool weather (TEMP, -0.6°C) and radiation significantly below average (RADPAR, -9%). With favorable moisture and temperature, biomass (BIOMSS) is expected to increase by 32% compared to the five-year average. The area had a high Cropped Arable Land Fraction (0.99) as well as VCIx (0.97), indicating high cropped area and favorable crop prospects.

Northwest mixed wheat and sugarbeets zone

Wheat and sugarbeets are major crops in this region. NDVI profiles over the wheat growing areas near the peak growing period (June) are above both the previous year and the recent five-year average. Abundant RAIN (21% above average) resulted in favorable crop condition for both crops. Overall crop condition for the region is good according to the high VCIx (0.95). 

Central wheat zone

This region is another major winter wheat zone, and it has received about 25% above average rainfall and close to average but cool temperatures conducive to a marginally higher biomass accumulation. Late crop emergence is evident from the NDVI profile, confirmed also by Cropped Arable Land Fraction of 100%. The VCIx of 0.94 for this region also shows favorable crop prospects.

Eastern and western sparse crop areas

These two region are mainly forested, and cropland is more marginal. Rainy weather was recorded (RAIN (+42% and +7%, respectively for the eastern and western areas), as well as below average temperatures (TEMP, -0.7°C and -0.2°C) and radiation (RADPAR, -7% and -4%). Compared to the average of the last five years, BIOMSS was up by 28% and 1% respectively, while the Cropped Arable Land Fraction was at 100% for both. Favorable crop condition was recorded with high VCIx values of 0.94 for the eastern and 0.93 for the western sparse crop areas, respectively. 

Southern highland

Normal weather was recorded by RAIN (-5%), TEMP (-0.2°C), and RADPAR (-2%). Compared to the five-year average, BIOMSS decreased 2%, while VCIx reached 0.94. The Cropped Arable Land Fraction was at 100%, while the VCIx of 0.94 indicates favorable crop prospects.

Figure 3.10a. Germany phenology of major crops

Figure 3.10b. Germnay national level crop condition development graph based on NDVI, comparing the April-July 2017 period to the previous season and the five-year average (5YA) and maximum

Figure 3.10c. Germany maximum VCI for April-July 2017 by pixel

Figure 3.10d. Germany spatial NDVI patterns up to July 2017 according to local cropping patterns and compared to the 5YA (left) and (e) associated NDVI profiles (right)

Figure 3.10f. Northern wheat zone (Germany) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.10g. Northwest mixed wheat and sugarbeets zone (Germany) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.10h. Central wheat zone (Germany) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.10i. Eastern sparse crop area (Germany) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.10j. Western sparse crop area (Germany) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.10k. Southern highland (Germany) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Table 3.17. Germany agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, April-July 2017

Table 3.18. Germany agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's value and departure from 5YA, April-July 2017

Table 3.19. CropWatch-estimated maize and wheat production for Germany in 2017 (thousands tons)