In Hungary, winter crops (wheat and barley) have been planted. Accumulated rainfall (RAIN, -0.6%) was slightly below average, but temperature (TEMP, +0.9C) and radiation (RADPAR, 3.8%) were above average. Compared to the five-year average the unfavorable agro-climatic conditions recorded a decrease in the BIOMSS index by 5.7%. According to the national NDVI development graphs, however, crop condition was above average in about 75% of croplands from July to early August, mainly in Bekes, Bacs-Kiskun,Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg and the southeastern part of Pest provinces, the whole country’s arable land experienced below average condition from August to October. The national maximum VCI was 0.84 and the CALF was unchanged compared to the recent five-year average. Compared to the 5YA cropping intensity increased by 1.0%. The decrease of both wheat area (-1.4%) and yield (-2.8%) indicates in decrease in wheat production by 4.1% compared to last year, according to CropWatch estimates. Maize is assessed to increase 3.3%.

Regional analysis

CropWatch has adopted four agro-ecological zones (AEZ) to provide a more detailed spatial analysis for the country. They included North Hungary, Central Hungary, the Great Plain and Trans-danubia. Specific observations for the reporting period are included for each region.

In North Hungary, CALF decreased 1% below 5YA, while the indicator remained unchanged in the other regions. North  Hungary grows 5 to 8% of the national winter wheat, and 1 to 4% of maize. The NDVI was about average in July and, lower than average from August to October. Compared with average, the temperature was about average (TEMP, +1°C) and radiation was above average (RADPAR,+2%) while precipitation was below average (-14%).

Central Hungary is one of its major agricultural regions in terms of crop production. About 5-8% of winter wheat, maize and sunflower are planted in this region. Agroclimatic conditions include above average rainfall and radiation (RAIN, +3% and RADPAR,+2%), and close to average TEMP (+ 0.9°C). Compared to the 5YA the biomass increased by 3% and VCIx was good at 0.86. NDVI was low from August to October according to the crop condition graphs. 

The Great Plain region grows mostly winter wheat, maize and sunflower especially in the countries of Jaz Nagykum Szolnok and Bekes. According to crop condition graph, NDVI values were about average in late July, and below average from August to October. The biomass decreased by 11% due to low rainfall (RAIN, -13%) and about average temperature (TEMP, +0.9°C). Radiation was above average (RADPAR, +3%) and the maximum VCI was normal and fair (0.84). 

Southern Trans-danubia cultivates 4 to 8% of winter wheat, maize and sunflower seed, mostly in Somogy and Tolna counties while only 1 to 4% of main crops are planted in the northern Trans-danubia. All agroclimatic indicators were above average: RAIN +12%, TEMP, +0.9°C and RADPAR +5.2%. The biomass decreased by 4% in this period. The maximum VCI was above average 0.86.

Figure 3.20 (a) Phenology Model

Figure 3.20 (b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI  (c) Maximum VCI       

 Figure 3.20 (d) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA          (e) NDVI profiles        

Figure 3.20 (f) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Central Hungary)

Figure 3.20 (g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Western Transdanubia)

Table 3.40. Hungary’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, July-October 2018

Table 3.41. Hungary’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, July-October 2018

Table 3.42. CropWatch-estimated wheat production for Hungary in 2018 (thousand tons)