Abstract Soybean ( Glycine max L.) is the most widely cultivated oilseed globally due to its nutritional value, versatility, and economic importance. It accounts for nearly 25% of global vegetable oil production and is a key component in animal feed, making it strategic for food and energy security. Brazil has emerged as the world leader in production and exports, contributing ~40% of the 2024/25 harvest with approximately 171.5 million tons over ~47.4 million ha. This expansion has been driven by public policies, research investments, territorial expansion, and the widespread adoption of genetically modified (GM) varieties, now covering over 99% of the cultivated area. The transformation of the Cerrado into a major agricultural frontier, combined with technological advances, has resulted in substantial increases in area, production, and yield (~3.6 t ha − 1 in 2024/25). Despite these gains, yields remain far below the crop’s potential (>8.9 t ha − 1 in experimental fields), highlighting the presence of a persistent yield gap between current and attainable productivity levels. This review synthesizes the historical evolution of soybean production in Brazil and examines the main production drivers, structural constraints, and emerging innovation pathways shaping future productivity. Particular attention is given to the challenges associated with climate variability, environmental regulation, and increasing global demand for sustainable supply chains. The analysis highlights that future production gains will depend on the transition from expansion-driven growth to sustainable intensification, supported by technological innovation, improved management strategies, and effective governance.
Araújo et al. (Wed,) studied this question.