The region showed generally average conditions, with above average rainfall (up 9% compared with average) which benefited winter crops. The increase is welcome after the negative anomaly of the previous reporting period. Most of the region shows a tendency to deviate positively from average conditions during the second half of the period (Figures 2.3.a and 2.3.b). 

Negative anomalies were observed for RADPAR (reduction of 4 %) and for TEMP (reduction of 0.6°). The second variable fluctuated a lot but in a synchronised fashion across the region. The most extreme variations were observed over Uruguay and surrounding areas.

BIOMSS showed a marked increment of 25% compared to average conditions, nevertheless with a lot of spatial variation. Positive anomalies are observed in the northern and south-eastern parts of Brazil, center Pampas and Northern Chaco in Argentina. Negative anomalies affected remaining areas, particulalry the West Pampas. The map of cropped and uncropped arable land shows that most of the area was cropped (90 %), except from a small area in the West Pampas and Chaco. Buenos Aires province, where wheat is the main crop,  is fully cropped. Areas mapped as "uncropped" occur in the West Pampas are dominated by summer crops; the observation may reflect delays in planting. The area may be cultivated from November with a larger relative share of soybean or in December/January with maize.   Average VCIx for the whole MPZ was 0.68, with the lowest values in West Pampas and North Chaco.

Figure2.3. South America MPZ: Agro‐climatic and agronomic indicators, July to October2018.

Figure.2.3.a-b. Spatial distribution of rainfall profiles

Figure.2.3.c-d. Spatial distribution of temperature profiles

Figure.2.3.e. Potential biomass departure from 5YA

Figure.2.3.f. Cropped and uncropped arable land

Figure.2.3.g. Maximum VCI