Mapping the Landscape of Soil Organic Carbon Research in China from 1995 to 2024: A Computational Analysis Using CiteSpace and CNKI Database

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is critical for soil structure improvement, climate change mitigation, and ecological balance maintenance. This study leverages advanced computational tools to map the landscape of SOC research in China over the past three decades (1995–2024). Utilizing CiteSpace 6.3.R1 software, we conducted a comprehensive visual analysis of 17,020 relevant papers sourced from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. Our computational approach involved data mining, keyword extraction, and network visualization to uncover trends and hotspots in the field. The results indicate: (1) A significant increase in the number of publications, with average annual publications reaching 9, 762, 1,654, and 2,038 in four distinct developmental periods, reflecting a growing research emphasis in China; (2) The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences emerged as the leading institution with 691 publications, though interdisciplinary collaboration remains limited; (3) Keyword frequency analysis identified biochar, microorganisms, community structure, and organic carbon components as current research hotspots. This study demonstrates the power of computational methods in analyzing large-scale scientific literature and provides valuable insights for future research directions in SOC.