POSSIBILITIES OF USE THE STANDARDIZED PRECIPITATION INDEX (SPI) IN ASSESSING INFLUENCE OF DRY AND WET CONDITIONS TO RICE CROP YIELD IN CAN THO AND HAU GIANG PROVINCES

Abstract

This paper presents the main results of the research on the posibilities in using a meteorological drought index – the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in the assessment of the effects of dry and wet conditions on rice yield in Can Tho and Hau Giang provinces. The results showed that: 1) The variations in provincial average yield, as well as the weather-induced yield of rice in the Winter-spring and Summer rice crops, are closely correlated with the SPI; 2) With the existing rainfall data, using SPI-1 and SPI-6 it can fully evaluate the effects of drought and wet conditions to growth, development and productivity of rice in the Winter-spring and Summer rice crops in Can Tho-Hau Giang area; 3) Use of SPI, as well as hydrometeorological forecasts, climate forecasts, and close coordination with hydrometeorological experts, agricultural agencies from provinces, cities and counties are possible to develop flood and drought prevention plans to actively prevent natural disasters, improve and stabilize rice yields in two mentioned rice crop seasons.