Heterogeneity, Input-Use Efficiency, and Profitability in Soya Bean Production Systems in Mexico

Soyabean (Glycine max L.) is a strategic crop worldwide; however, in tropical regions such as Mexico, production intensification does not necessarily lead to more efficient or profitable systems. This study aimed to characterize Soyabean producers based on socioeconomic, technical, and productive variables and to analyze the relationship between intensification, efficiency, and profitability. A total of 75 producers were surveyed during 2024 using a structured questionnaire, and the data were analyzed through multivariate techniques, including hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Three producer typologies were identified: low production intensification (PBIP), intermediate intensification (PIIP), and intensive input management (PMII). The results showed that PBIP producers achieved the highest yield (2.70 t ha−1) and profitability (MXN 16,102.16 ha−1), outperforming PIIP (2.28 t ha−1; MXN 6365.31 ha−1) and PMII (1.48 t ha−1; MXN 3535.23 ha−1), despite using fewer inputs. These findings suggest that higher levels of input use were not consistently associated with greater productivity or economic returns within the studied production systems. Promoting sustainable intensification strategies and targeted extension programs is essential to improve productivity, profitability, and resilience in rainfed Soyabean systems.