Germany

Overall, the crops in Germany showed below average condition during the reporting period from April to July during which winter wheat, spring wheat, and maize are the main grain crops. Currently winter wheat has been harvested while the other two are nearing harvest. At the national level, CropWatch agroclimatic indicators show below average precipitation (Rain, -33%), temperature and radiation well above average (TEMP +1.8°C, RADPAR, +9%). Below average precipitation occurred throughout most parts of Germany during the reporting period, except in Rheinland-Pfalz and Baden-Wuertenberg from mid-May to mid-June. Above average temperatures were observed throughout Germany before mid-June, and warmer-than-usual weather conditions continued to prevail throughout Germany after early-July. Below average temperatures were only observed from late-June to early July. Warm temperatures coupled with a persistent rainfall deficit affected winter crops flowering and grain filling in large parts of Germany, and the biomass accumulation potential BIOMSS was 28% below the recent five-year average.

As shown by the crop condition development graph, national NDVI values were below average during the whole reporting period, except for one period in late-April with close to or above average values. These observations are confirmed by the NDVI profiles. Winter crops in the Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, eastern Niedersachsen and Sachsen-Anhalt had generally unfavorable condition, with low VCIx areas and NDVI due to warmer-than-usual weather conditions. Summer crops were also below average in Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, eastern Niedersachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Brandenburg, Thüringen and Sachsen  according to the NDVI, as result of warm temperature coupled with a persistent rainfall deficit.

Generally, the values of agronomic indicators show unfavorable condition for most winter crops and the sowing of summer crops. In the wheat area, crop condition is slightly below the average of last year. The condition of maize is slightly above average that of last year's, and the production of wheat and maize is estimated at respectively 4.4% and 2.8% below 2017 values.

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 sugar beets zone, central wheat zone.

The CropWatch agroclimatic indicator for Schleswig-Holstein and the Baltic coast show that RAIN was below average (-45%), radiation was above average (RADPAR +12%), and temperature was significantly above average (TEMP +2.0°C, which is the largest temperature departure in Germany). as a result, biomass (BIOMSS) in this zone fell by 36% compared to the five-year average. As shown in the crop condition development graph based on NDVI, the NDVI values were below average during the whole reporting period and with low VCIx areas. Warmer-than-usual weather conditions caused crops to mature early and yields were affected; NDVI clusters show the same pattern, indicating unfavorable crop prospects.

The CropWatch agroclimatic indicators for Mixed wheat and sugar beet zone of the north-west show that RAIN was below average (-42%), temperature was above   (TEMP +1.9°C) and so was radiation, resulting in unfavorable crop condition for both crops. Biomass (BIOMSS) in this zone dropped by 35% compared to the five-year average. As shown in the crop condition development graph based on NDVI, the values were below average throughout. Crop condition for the region is unfavorable.

For Central wheat zone of Saxony and Thuringia region, it is the region with the most serious precipitation stress (RAIN -47%).  Warm temperature (TEMP +1.8°C) and the precipitation deficit caused biomass potential (BIOMSS indicator) to fall  40% below average. As shown in the crop condition development graph based on NDVI, the values were below average during the whole period,  showing unfavorable crop prospects.

The cropland in the sparse crop area of the east-German lake and Heathland and western sparse crop area of the Rhenish massif are more marginal. Rainy weather was recorded (RAIN -46% and -24%, respectively), as well as above average temperatures (TEMP, +1.9°C in both areas) and radiation (RADPAR, +10% and +9%). Compared to the average of the last five years, BIOMSS was lower by 36% and 19% respectively, while the Cropped Arable Land Fraction was at 100% for both. As shown in the crop condition development graph based on NDVI, the values in the region of sparse crop area of the east-German lake and Heathland were below average during the reporting whole period, showing unfavorable crop prospects. In the western sparse crop area of the Rhenish massif, values were above average only from mid-April to mid-May; crop prospects are unfavorable as well.

Maize, wheat and potato  major crops in the Bavarian Plateau. The CropWatch agroclimatic indicators show that abnormal weather was recorded for RAIN (-21%), TEMP (+1.6°C), and RADPAR (+7%). Compared to the five-year average, BIOMSS decreased 17% but the Cropped Arable Land Fraction stayed at 100%. Due to precipitation deficit and warm temperature, the crop condition was below average.

Figure 3.15. Germany’s crop condition, April-July 2018 

Figure 3.15a. Germany phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI                           (c) Maximim VCI

(d) Germany spatial NDVI patterns up to July 2018 according to local cropping patterns and compared to the 5YA (left) and (e) associated NDVI profiles (right)

(f). Wheat zone of Schleswig-Holstein and the Baltic coast crop condition development graph based on NDVI(right) and (g)
Mixed wheat and sugarbeets zone of the north-west

(h). Central wheat zone of Saxony and Thuringia crop condition development graph based on NDVI (right) and (i)
Sparse crop area of the east-German lake and Heathlan

(j.) Western sparse crop area of the Rhenish massif crop condition development graph based on NDVI(right) and (k)
Bavarian Plateau

Table 3.20. Germany’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, April-July 2018 

Table 3.21. Germany’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's value and departure from 5YA, April-July 2018 

Table 3.22. CropWatch-estimated maize and wheat production for Germany in 2018 (thousands tons)