A recently published bibliometric analysis in the Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, authored by Bijesh Thakur, Danish Tamulya, Manashi Gogoi, and Brishmrita Mahanta Das, explores the global research trends on biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More as a soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More from 2001 to 2024. The study, utilizing the “Dimensions. AI” database, reviewed 17,780 relevant articles to understand the evolution of biochar research and the contributions of different countries and institutions.  

The analysis reveals a significant surge in biochar research publications, indicating a growing global interest in its application as a soil amendment. Specifically, the number of publications increased dramatically from 2006 onwards, with a peak of 3,178 papers in 2024. China has emerged as the leading country in biochar research output, followed by the United States and India, highlighting substantial contributions from Asia and North America.  

The journal Science of the Total Environment is identified as a prominent publication outlet for biochar research, demonstrating a high H-index. Among the most cited works, Lehmann’s 2011 review, “Biochar effects on soil biota – A review,” stands out, indicating its significant influence in the field.  Biochar, produced from biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More through various methods like pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More, has garnered attention for its ability to enhance soil properties and remediate contaminated soils. Research has shown that biochar can improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, while also effectively adsorbing pollutants. The bibliometric analysis also highlights a focus on keywords related to both agricultural benefits and pollutant removal, illustrating the dual interest in biochar’s applications.  

The study emphasizes the collaborative nature of biochar research, with significant contributions from international collaborations. China’s central role and its strong partnerships with countries like the USA and Australia are highlighted, along with the collaborative networks among various research institutions.  

The bibliometric analysis provides a quantitative overview of biochar research, showing a substantial increase in publications (from 1 to 3,178 between 2001 and 2024) and identifying key institutions like Zhejiang University, which leads with 418 papers and 27,445 citations. These metrics, along with citation analysis and keyword co-occurrence, paint a comprehensive picture of the growing impact and focus of biochar research.  

In conclusion, this bibliometric study offers valuable insights into the expanding field of biochar research, highlighting its increasing relevance in both agriculture and environmental science.  

Source: Thakur, B., Tamulya, D., Gogoi, M., & Das, B. M. (2025). Bibliometric Insights into the Use of Biochar as a Soil Amendment: A Study Based on Dimensions AI Database (2001-2024). Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 47(5), 430-444.