What is new here?

Our approach has a strong agronomic foundation. It gives preference to best available sources of weather, soil, and management data, well-validated crop simulation models to estimate potential yield and water productivity, and expert opinion to provide scientifically robust, transparent, and reproducible yield gap assessments. Results are upscaled from location to climate zone and country following a novel bottom-up approach.

How can the information provided in the Atlas be used for?

The Atlas can help determine the untapped crop production potential and identify the most promising regions for investment in agricultural development and technology. The Atlas can also be used to monitor progress towards closing yield gaps and quantitatively estimate impact of R & D investments on yield gap closure over time, and assess the degree to which food self-sufficiency can be achieved through sustainable crop intensification. The Atlas also provides a strong foundation for explaining and mitigating yields gaps and for spatial studies that deal with a wide range of issues such as impact of climate change, land use, environmental footprint of agriculture, and for in-season crop forecasting.

How to use the portal and the map application?

See this video for a demonstration.

What is a crop growth simulation model?

A crop simulation model is a computer-based program that simulates crop development, growth and yields on a daily basis using daily weather data and soil and management information. In most cases, crop simulation models do not account for the effect of biotic stresses (weeds, pathogens, and insect pests) and nutrient limitations on yield, and estimates of yield potential and water-limited yield assume no yield loss from these constraints.

Why are simulated yields and water productivity always higher than actual yields and water productivity?

The ideal conditions that allow full expression of crop yield potential and most efficient use of water resources rarely occur in producer fields. That is why, even in intensive high-yield cropping systems, actual yields do not reach yield potential. See the Glossary for definitions of potential and water-limited yield potential.

Which countries and crops are covered by the Atlas?

We focus on countries that produce major staple food crops. Please see this link for an overview of the countries and crops currently covered in the Atlas.