Crops in Germany showed below average condition during the reporting period from July to October. Currently, summer crops have been harvested, and winter crops are at the planting stage. At the national level, CropWatch agroclimatic indicators show that total precipitation (as measured by the RAIN indicator) was 40% below average, temperature was above average (TEMP,+1.3°C), and radiation significantly above average (RADPAR, +11%) over the period of analysis. Below average rainfall occurred throughout the country from July to mid-October, with positive departures occurring only in late -October. Except in late August and late September, temperature for the whole country was above average. Continuous dryer-than-usual weather and heatwave conditions affected crops at flowering; they shortened the graining filling stage and accelerated the maturity. The biomass accumulation potential BIOMSS was 9% 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. These observations are confirmed by the NDVI profiles. Crops had generally unfavorable condition, as shown by the low VCIx areas, a pattern confirmed by the NDVI clusters. Summer crops also are almost below average throughout country according to the NDVI profiles, a spatial pattern again reflected by VCIx in the different areas, especially in Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, and east Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The overall VCIx for Germany overall was of 0.70, as a result of continuous drought and heatwaves conditions.

Generally, the values of agronomic indicators show unfavorable condition for most summer crops and the sowing of winter crops in Germany. CALF during the reporting period was 99%, the same as the recent five-year average. Cropping intensity was down 4% compared with the five-year-average. Due to unfavorable condition, the production of maize is estimated to be down 0.4% compared with 2017.

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 numbers identify the areas on the maps.

The CropWatch agroclimatic indicator for Schleswig-Holstein and the Baltic coast show that RAIN was significantly below average (-42%), radiation was above average (RADPAR +13%), and temperature was significantly above average (TEMP +2.6°C, which is the largest temperature departure in Germany). As a result, biomass (BIOMSS) in this zone fell by 12% compared to the five-year average. As shown in the crop condition development graph,  NDVI values stayed below average during the whole reporting period. NDVI clusters and unfavourable VCIx (0.70) confirm unfavorable crop prospects in spite of high CALF (100%).

The CropWatch agroclimatic indicators for Mixed wheat and sugar beet zone of the north-west show that RAIN was below average (-47%), temperature was above   (TEMP +1.1°C) and so was radiation (RADPAR, +14%), resulting in unfavorable crop condition for crops. Biomass (BIOMSS) in this zone dropped by 5% compared to the five-year average. As shown in the crop condition development graph based on NDVI, the values were below average throughout. Although 100% of arable lands were cropped, the lower VCI (0.70) due to continuous drought and heatwaves conditions indicates unfavorable crop prospects.

The Central wheat zone of Saxony and Thuringia is the region with the most serious precipitation stress (RAIN -54%).  Combined with warm temperature (TEMP +1.2°C) the  precipitation deficit caused biomass potential (BIOMSS indicator) to fall  10% below average. As shown in the crop condition development graph based on NDVI, the values were below average during the whole period. More than 98% of arable lands were cropped, which is 2% below the recent five-year average.

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. Dry weather was recorded (RAIN -44% and -52%, respectively), as well as above average temperatures (TEMP, +1.2°C and +1.3°C, respectively) and radiation (RADPAR, +10% and +12%). Compared to the average of the last five years, BIOMSS was lower by 9% and 18%, respectively, while the Cropped Arable Land Fraction was at 99% and 100%, respectively. As shown in the crop condition development graph based on NDVI, the values in both regions were all below average during the reporting whole period, showing unfavorable crop prospects for the regions. 

Maize, wheat and potato are the  major crops on the Bavarian Plateau. The CropWatch agroclimatic indicators show that abnormal weather was recorded for RAIN (-26%), TEMP (+1.2°C), and RADPAR (+9%). Compared to the five-year average, BIOMSS decreased 8% 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, July-October 2018 

Figure 3.15a. Germany phenology of major crops

Figure 3.15b. Germnay national level crop condition development graph based on NDVI, comparing the July-October 2018 period to the previous season and the five-year average (5YA) and maximum

Figure 3.15c. Germany maximum VCI for July-October 2018 by pixel

Figure 3.15d. Germany spatial NDVI patterns up to October 2018 according to local cropping patterns and compared to the 5YA (left) and (e) associated NDVI profiles (right)

Figure 3.15f. Wheat zone of Schleswig-Holstein and the Baltic coast crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.15g. Mixed wheat and sugarbeets zone of the north-west crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.15h. Central wheat zone of Saxony and Thuringia crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.15i. Sparse crop area of the east-German lake and Heathland crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.15j. Western sparse crop area of the Rhenish massif crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.15k. Bavarian Plateau crop condition development graph based on NDVI

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

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

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