The Hotspots and Trends in the Literature on Soil Salinization in China: A Visualized Analysis Based on CiteSpace

To comprehensively explore the research hotpots and trends in soil salinization in China, CiteSpace software (version 6.3.R1) was used to visualize the knowledge graph and bibliometric analysis of relevant literature from 2000 to 2024 in the China Knowledge Network (CNKI) database and Web of Science (WoS) database. Analysis of 1963 CNKI documents and 2134 WoS documents published by 249 units for annual publications, research institutions, authors, and keyword graph revealed that the annual publication volume of the literature in the field of salinization shows an upward trend and the volume of quality English publications is higher than that of Chinese. The cooperation network of authors and institutions had already been formed in the field. The cooperation among research institutes was stable, and a core group of authors had already been formed. Since 2020, “spectral index”, “machine learning”, “remote sensing inversion”, “spatial and temporal changes”, “inter-root”, “simulation”, “oasis”, “ rainy season”, and “soil water content” have become hot words in research. The visualization of spatial and temporal distribution of soil salts based on big data and artificial intelligence has become the focus of attention of the academic community. Therefore, the challenges of salinization should be better addressed through scientific and technological innovation and comprehensive measures. The results of the study are expected to provide scientific references for the field of salinization in China.