Growth and acceleration analysis of the soybean, sugar cane, maize and cattle production in Brazil

Brazil is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of food. Increased production has served as an incentive for expanding the agricultural frontier, leading to substantial changes in land use and land cover in the country. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the spatial–temporal dynamics of Brazil's municipal cattle production, along with the main crops in the country (soybean, corn, and sugarcane). Growth and acceleration rates, as well as the movements of production in the country, were calculated, along with correlations between different production types. The results revealed a high growth rate and acceleration of soybean and maize production in the South, Midwest, and West of the Northeast regions. The South–Central region achieved high growth rates and acceleration for sugarcane production, resulting in the displacement of sugarcane from the Northeast region to the South–Central region. Meanwhile, from 2003 to 2012, cattle production exhibited a high growth rate and acceleration in the Legal Amazon area. The inverse correlation between soybean and beef production was mainly observed in Midwest, Southeast, and South municipalities. The analysis also indicated that the causes of displacement for these productions are complex. Our results are crucial for understanding regional disparities, promoting science and innovation in Brazilian agriculture, and serving as a basis for infrastructure and financing policies for these agricultural products in Brazil.