WEATHER CONDITIONS IN THE 2013 -2015 GROWING SEASONS FOR MAIZE IN CROATIA AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Abstract

Maize is the main field crop on the arable lands in Croatia and Bosnia and
Herzegovina (B&H). In the 2001-2010 period, maize was grown on 333,736 ha
(average yield 6.50 t ha-1) in Croatia and 195,800 ha (4.42 t ha-1) in B&H. Yield
variations among years were from 3.86 to 7.98 t ha-1 and from 2.74 to 5.13 t ha-1,
respectively. Aim of this study was survey of maize yield and weather data
(precipitation and mean air temperature) in Croatia and B&H in the 2013, 2014 and
2015 growing seasons. Average yields of maize were 6.5, 8.1 and 6.5 t ha-1
(Croatia), 4.0, 5.0 and 4.1 t ha-1 (B&H) in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
The 2014 growing season was very favorable for maize growth. Precipitation and
temperature in April-September period were as follows: 520 mm and 18.2oC
(Osijek), 910 mm and 17.2oC (Varazdin), 731 mm and 18.5oC (Bijeljina), 1228 mm
and 18.0oC (Banja Luka). These precipitation values are higher by 41% (Osijek),
75% (Varazdin and Bijeljina), and 116% (Banja Luka) compared to averages 1961-
1990. In extremely unfavorable 2012 (yield 4.34 and 2.74 t ha-1, in Croatia and
B&H, respectively), precipitation and temperature at the same period were 293 mm
and 20.0oC (Osijek), 461 mm and 18.8oC (Varazdin), 288 mm and 21.0oC
(Bijeljina), 488 mm and 20.1oC (Banja Luka). However, in 2013 and 2015, yields,
precipitation and temperature regimes in both countries were more close to average
values. Considerable variation of precipitation in the short 2012 -2014 period and
higher temperatures are in accordance with climate change.