In northeast China, April is the month of sowing and germination for most crops, including maize and soybean. January to April weather was colder and more humid than average; rainfall was well above average (+31%) and RADPAR dropped by 6%. Temperature was slightly below average (-0.4°C). The agro-climatic conditions mentioned resulted in a 31% above average potential biomass in the region. It is still cold for crops before April in the region and NDVI variations depend on snow-melt more than crop condition.

In general, sufficient water supply in the region ensures good soil moisture, which will benefit crops in 2018.

(a)Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

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

(d)Maximum VCI                                                                   (e)Biomass