Over this reporting period, winter crops in the Ukraine are growing while summer crops (mostlymaize) are being planted. Nationwide, rainfall and PAR were slightly below average(-3%), while the warmer conditions (TEMP, +1.4°C) led to a 15% increase in potential biomass accumulation for winter crops. Meanwhile, NDVI was close toaverage, with marked fluctuations, but well below last year’s values. According to the cluster map of NDVI, almost the entire country’s crop condition has been constantly deteriorating since December (about 70% of the country), and particularly in the southern half (21.6% of agricultural areas). NDVI profilesshow a sharp "recovery" in the northern half of the country (center and east areas only; Chernihivs'ka, Sums'ka, Poltavs'ka, and Kyyivs'ka), probably as a result of maize planting. The VCI map shows a patchwork of mixed low and high values.[1] The crop condition of winter crops seems to be below average in much of the country at the end of April, unless low values result from early harvest brought about by high temperature.

Figure3.30. Ukraine crop condition, January-April2015