crop yield

Where to invest to increase crop yields?

In many parts of the world farmer’s yields are well below what is possible. The difference between farmers yields and the potential is called the yield gap. The Global Yield Gap Atlas (GYGA) provides insight in the magnitude of this gap for different crops across the world. It takes into account regions where crops are mainly dependent on rainfall as well as areas where irrigation is applied. Besides, the atlas provides the required nutrient input to close the yield gap to different levels like 50% or 80%.   

Monitoring cereal production in support of agricultural policies

Cereals, such as maize, wheat, and rice, are popular food crops. In fact, these crops are often the basis for food staples. Cereals are grown in many different regions across the world also in Europe. Proper assessments of the production is essential for strategic decisions on export, import and stock management. One of the factors influencing the annual variation of production is weather. Timely assessment of how weather influences seasonal cereal production is key.