Environment quality, sowing date, and genotype determine soybean yields in the Argentinean Gran Chaco

•We explored variables affecting soybean yield in a recently deforested region.•Key management decisions are sowing date, genotype selection, and soil P.•Years after land conversion to agriculture and soil organic matter influence soybean yield.•Rainfall, reference evapotranspiration, and temperatures above 35 °C from R1 to R7 are critical environmental predictors.•Adequate sowing date x maturity group choice can avoid yield losses up to 1500 kg ha−1.