Trends in agricultural sustainability research: a 40-year bibliometric review

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of agricultural sustainability research published from 1984 to July 2024. Using 1,000 English-language publications retrieved from Crossref via the Publish or Perish platform, and analyzed with VOSviewer and CiteSpace. Publication trends, citation metrics, leading contributors, and thematic evolution were analyzed.. Results show a marked increase in research output, with publication peaks in 2015 and an h-index of 42 for the dataset. Highly cited articles focus on climate adaptation, sustainable practices, and policy frameworks. Journal articles and books are the primary dissemination channels. While the analysis provides insights into influential factors and global research networks, limitations include the exclusive use of Crossref, English-language bias, and a 1,000-document cap. These findings inform researchers and policymakers seeking to advance sustainable agricultural practices in the context of climate variability.