Background and Objectives: Soil salinization is one of the most serious environmental challenges threatening agricultural productivity and soil sustainability worldwide, particularly in arid and semi‑arid regions. Increasing soil salinity negatively affects soil structure, nutrient availability, plant growth, and the activity of soil microbial communities. In recent years, numerous studies have focused on sustainable strategies to mitigate salinity stress and restore salt‑affected soils. Among these strategies, the application of organic amendments, biochar, halophyte plants, improved irrigation management, and beneficial soil microorganisms such as mycorrhizal fungi have received significant attention. Despite the growing body of literature, a comprehensive overview of research trends, influential journals, and major research themes in soil salinization improvement remains necessary. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the global research landscape related to soil salinization improvement and to identify major scientific directions, influential publications, and key research topics in this field.
Methodology: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using publications related to soil salinization improvement. Relevant scientific articles were retrieved from major academic databases and analyzed using bibliometric indicators. The analysis included annual publication trends, disciplinary distribution, leading journals, and highly cited research articles. Additionally, the top journals publishing studies on soil salinity improvement were identified based on publication counts, citation indicators, and impact factors. The content of highly cited articles was also examined to determine the main research approaches used for saline soil remediation, such as the application of biochar, organic amendments, microbial inoculation, and innovative soil and water management strategies.
Results: The results revealed a steady increase in the number of scientific publications related to soil salinization improvement over recent years, indicating growing global attention to this issue. The disciplinary distribution showed that most studies are concentrated in soil science, environmental science, agriculture, and ecology. Several leading journals play a major role in disseminating research findings in this field. Analysis of the most cited publications indicated that the application of biochar and organic amendments is among the most widely studied strategies for improving saline soils due to their ability to enhance soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. Biochar has been shown to reduce nutrient leaching, improve nitrogen retention, and mitigate the negative effects of salinity on plant growth. In addition, studies highlighted the important role of soil microbial communities and mycorrhizal fungi in improving plant tolerance to salt stress by enhancing nutrient uptake and increasing the accumulation of osmoprotective compounds such as soluble sugars. Research has also emphasized the use of halophyte plants for the restoration of saline lands and the adoption of improved irrigation techniques, including drip irrigation, as effective management strategies. Overall, the findings demonstrate that integrated biological and soil management approaches are increasingly recognized as sustainable solutions for saline soil remediation.
Conclusion: The bibliometric assessment indicates that research on soil salinization improvement has expanded rapidly and continues to evolve toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly remediation strategies. The combined use of biochar, organic amendments, beneficial microorganisms, and improved soil and water management practices shows considerable potential for restoring salt‑affected soils and enhancing agricultural productivity. Future research should focus on long‑term field evaluations, the optimization of amen
dment application rates, and the integration of biological and management practices to develop efficient and scalable solutions for saline soil rehabilitation. |