MARS estimates regional Flächenerträge radiation measurements by satellite
The agro-meteorological Institute of the European Commission (MARS) estimates the Flächenerträge of almost all market fruit with the help of certain radiation. This special radiation spectrum is responsible for photosynthesis in plants. The higher the radiation is greater plant growth. The measurement results are matched with actually achieved income of previous years. The degree of similarity between the radiation measurements and income provides the basis for comparison for new estimates in the following years.
For wheat and barley, which make up more than two-thirds of the EU grain harvest, the national average yields were calculated and shown in rounded form of t/ha. The coloured marking of red, yellow, green provide evidence of worse equal or better yields in the comparison to the years 2009-2013 multi-annual average.
For the year 2014, it turns out, that the income mainly in the Green (= above average) range. In the case of wheat that affects the northern and eastern areas of the EU with small exceptions. Wheat yields of average of means of multi-annual were ranging from UK through Denmark, Germany, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria.
France, Spain, Finland and smaller regions of Czech Republic, Finland and Latvia were only in the average range. In the Red (= sub-par) range Italy Slovakia and Croatia.
A clearly differentiated picture emerges for the barley yields . Above-average yields achieved in Germany and the South Eastern European countries and Baltic States. Poland, Sweden, Finland, United Kingdom, France and Italy were only average income. Spain falls out with below-average yields of barley.
The yield mapping is in good agreement with balanced precipitation conditions in the crucial phase of yield formation in sufficient sunlight. The South Eastern European EU Member States are positive compared to previous years. This region with a pronounced continental climate has strong income fluctuations depending on precipitation. Where the income level is only half as large as in the Western countries. The disappointing results in France are mainly a result of excessive rainfall during harvest time with considerable yield losses. Spain weak harvests caused by the spring drought in significant proportions.
Above average good EU cereal harvest 2014 is significantly caused by the high Flächenerträge . The increases are outstanding in Hungary + 17.6%, Poland with 11%, as well as Romania and Bulgaria with + 7%, German growth of + 7.5% also significantly contributes to the large EU crop. However, remains the strong areas France only in the average range. Negative cut the southern EU countries, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia and Greece.
Despite many opportunities of income influence of seed, fertilizers and plant protection which is factor climate in connection with soil conditions always still the most by.
