Visualising the trends of biochar influencing soil physicochemical properties using bibliometric analysis 2010–2022

Based on bibliometric analysis, this paper summarized the research progress of the effects of biochar (BC) on soil physical and chemical properties and provided recommendations for future research. By using appropriate keywords, a total of 1,448 bibliographic records were retrieved from the Web of Science database, and these records were analysed on the basis of criteria, such as authors, keywords, citations, countries, institutions and journals. On the basis of these data, research advances were mapped to identify current scientific trends and the progress made, as well as knowledge gaps. The research began in the year 2010 and accelerated after the year 2015. Yong Sik Ok is the best-known and most productive author in the field. Moreover, China and America are important countries for BC research. Soil Biology and Biochemistry received the highest cocitation rate amongst active journals. Research hotspots can be separated into four distinct clusters, and future research can be summarised in these three directions: (1) the effects of BC mixed with organic and chemical fertilisers on crop growth and nitrogen use efficiency; (2) the response to a series of soil health problems, such as soil erosion and salinisation, by waste management to produce BC for bioremediation; and (3) the effects of BC on soil physicochemical properties from the perspective and mechanism of soil bacterial communities and other microorganisms.