Degree Growing Days
Definition
Growing degree days for a given crop are calculated each day, as the average of the daily maximum and minimum temperatures, minus a certain base temperature, where this base temperature represents the threshold under which that crop will not grow. "Growing degree days" are a heuristic tool that measures heat accumulation for crops from sowing through harvest, with phenological transitions occurring after a certain accumulation of growing degree days.
GEOGLAM Agriculture Indicator Category
Agricultural Land Includes or is Indicated by
Non-Perennial Cropland Mask, with priority given to crops (as determined by Non-Perennial Crop Type Map) for whom GDD are a known correlate with phenological development.
EAV Stewards
Within Season Requirements:
| Application or Policy Supported | Related Variables | Frequency of Update | Spatial Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tracking phenological development, linking to the drought |
Current Crop Stage, Crop Condition Assessment, Crop Yield Forecast Air temperature, Reference Crop Calendars, Non-Perennial Crop Type Map |
Daily |
0.10 degree or finer |