Bibliometric Analysis of Soil Classification Research in Soil Science from 1980 to 2023

Bibliometric analyses shed light on the patterns in research and the influence of science. Based on 4467 papers from the Web of Science database, this article provides a bibliometric overview of soil science research on soil classification from 1980 to 2023. The study determines four time periods: 1980–1995; 1996–2005; 2006–2015; and 2016–2023. Research between 1980–1995 concentrated on basic subjects such as "adsorption," "classification," and "organic matter." The emphasis switched to environmental issues between 1996 and 2005, with "carbon," "contamination," and "soils" taking center stage. From 2006 to 2015, there was a continued focus on the environment, accompanied by more in-depth research on related subjects. Technological developments became more visible between 2016 and 2023, with particular attention paid to "carbon," "vegetation," "classification," "spatial prediction," "models," and "spectroscopy." Throughout, concepts like "classification," "soils," and "organic matter" were crucial, and after 2005, research on "contamination" and "heavy metals" grew more intense. Technological subjects, particularly "spectroscopy" and "spatial prediction," as well as regional studies, gained importance. In conclusion, the analysis shows how basic research in soil classification has given way to increasingly intricate, technologically advanced studies that reflect a greater emphasis on the environment and the application of innovative techniques for accurate and thorough soil examinations.