The condition of wintercrops in the Huanghuaihai region has been generally favorable so far. By earlyMay, winter crops (mainly winter wheat and rapeseeds) were heading to theirgrain-filling stage, and the crops will be harvested by early June. Over thereporting period, agroclimatic conditions were favorable for crops, with 21%above average rainfall (RAIN), 0.9⁰C higher temperature (TEMP) and averageradiation (RADPAR), which overall resulted in an increase of 31% in the biomassaccumulation potential (BIOMSS). Spatially, below average BIOMSS is observed innorthern Jiangsu, northern Anhui, and the coastal region of Bohai Bay. Theseareas coincide with below average NDVI regions from February to April,according to the spatial patterns and NDVI departure profiles compared with thefive-year average. The overall NDVI development graph shows above average cropcondition at and after the wintering stage. By late April, crop condition reachedthe same level as in 2014. According to the maximum VCI map, below averageconditions occurred south of Tianjing, which is an area where crops are sown inspring or summer and sowing was delayed.

Figure4.8. Crop condition China Huanghuaihai, January-April 2015

(a)Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

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

(d)Maximum VCI                                                                                                 (e)Biomass