Home: TRD: Resource utilisation: AGRI-OUTLOOK: NDVI FOR January 2008
Two approaches are used i.e. NDVI (plant activity) and PASG (accumulated seasonal greenness). It is expected that above normal rains of the current season should result in above normal conditions for plant activity. In general, all three images indicate at least similar to above normal plant activity or greenness, compared to last year and the long term. Interestingly, more plant activity was recorded in the east, which was ascribable to the nature of plants being more summer rainfall oriented. The western side of the province obviously had less plant activity or greenness due to the remarkably less acreage of actively growing or developing crops this time of the year. The green spots could probably be matched with eg. vineyards, orchards, potatoes (Sandveld), summer crops under irrigation, ect.
The current drought experienced in the mid Central Karoo is clearly pointed out in all three images. The fact remains that the drought is certainly abnormal, thus emphasising the appropriate aid to those producers in the affected area.
Other below normal situations (red) can also be seen, although being much smaller areas and isolated. These will be verified and if necessary carefully monitored and during the following months.
21-31 January 2008 compared with 21-31 January 2007
The NDVI values for 21 - 31 January 2008 were mostly higher than the previous year especially over the Swartland and the Ruens. NDVI values were lower over the northeastern parts.
21 – 31 January 2008 compared with the long-term mean
In comparison to the long-term average the west side of the province indicated above normal NDVI while the rest show less positive plant growth conditions. The situation north east of Beaufort West is causing some concern. Interestingly fire damage is also detected on this map, ie those at Gouritsmond and De Rust / Klaarstroom areas.
Percentage of Average Seasonal Greenness (PASG)
November 2008 - January 2009 compared with the long-term mean
This is an illustration of accumulated NDVI over the stated period. This in effect shows that the western side of the province is still in line with the long-term average relating to normal plant activity this time of the year. The eastern side of the province indicates a tendency from normal to slightly below normal conditions.
