The Bright Future of Biochar in Sustainable Agriculture: A Bibliometric Analysis

Biochar, a promising soil amendment, is believed to help achieve sustainable agriculture by improving soil quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting crop production. However, few studies have thoroughly analyzed the literature in this field using bibliometric methods. This study aims to fill this gap by using a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. The current status of biochar research in agriculture was assessed by commonly used bibliometric software. This includes publication journals, publishers, countries, researchers, collaborations, key articles, and keyword evolution. The results indicate a burgeoning interest in using biochar for sustainable agriculture; there has been a rapid rise in the number of relevant literature in recent years. In addition, China and the United States have made outstanding contributions in this area. Although China was the most productive in this field, accounting for 32.58% of all findings worldwide, its papers were of average quality globally. More specially, Young Sik Ok from Korea University is the most eminent researcher who contributed to the completion of 73 research in total; following his work might inspire our own. Biochar application is a relatively recent and attractive strategy for sustainable agriculture, but it is still in its infancy. To encourage biochar’s wider usage in agriculture, future studies should extensively examine it in more climatically diverse places, address abiotic stresses, and improve economic viability. Moreover, at this moment, the government should be more proactive in adopting policies to overcome the shortcomings of spontaneous markets for long-term benefits.