Bibliometric Analysis of Desertification in the Period from 1974 to 2024 Based on the Scopus Database

Desertification remains a critical global issue driven by climate change, unsustainable land use, and socio-economic pressures. This bibliometric review provides an in-depth analysis of desertification research from 1974 to 2024 using the Scopus database to identify trends, key players, and methodol...

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Main Authors: Arslan Berdyyev, Yousef A. Al-Masnay, Mukhiddin Juliev, Jilili Abuduwaili
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Land
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/3/496
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author Arslan Berdyyev
Yousef A. Al-Masnay
Mukhiddin Juliev
Jilili Abuduwaili
author_facet Arslan Berdyyev
Yousef A. Al-Masnay
Mukhiddin Juliev
Jilili Abuduwaili
author_sort Arslan Berdyyev
collection DOAJ
description Desertification remains a critical global issue driven by climate change, unsustainable land use, and socio-economic pressures. This bibliometric review provides an in-depth analysis of desertification research from 1974 to 2024 using the Scopus database to identify trends, key players, and methodological advances. Publications grew exponentially during this period, from 21 in 1974 to a peak of 186 in 2023, demonstrating growing academic and policy attention. The analysis found that 4178 authors contributed to 2004 peer-reviewed articles, with China emerging as a leading research hub, contributing 386 publications and leading efforts in environmental restoration projects such as the Great Green Wall. Advanced methodologies, including remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), have facilitated large-scale monitoring, despite challenges such as data inconsistencies and limited resolution. Institutions such as Guizhou Normal University and Lanzhou University have led the global research effort, publishing 316 and 124 publications, respectively. Influential journals, including <i>Land Degradation and Development</i> and the <i>Journal of Arid Environments</i>, have played a key role in shaping the discourse. Historical analysis has highlighted the persistent threat of desertification to human societies, exemplified by the decline of civilizations such as the Sumerian and Khorezmian. Despite significant progress, regional differences in research attention persist, with Central Asia receiving limited attention despite its vulnerability. This review highlights the need for standardized methodologies, interdisciplinary approaches, and enhanced international collaboration. By leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable land management practices, the global community can mitigate the environmental and socio-economic impacts of desertification, promoting the resilience of ecosystems and communities while moving toward land degradation neutrality.
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spelling doaj-art-82e4f42b9ce84850b8d4780aa86050122025-08-20T03:43:22ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2025-02-0114349610.3390/land14030496Bibliometric Analysis of Desertification in the Period from 1974 to 2024 Based on the Scopus DatabaseArslan Berdyyev0Yousef A. Al-Masnay1Mukhiddin Juliev2Jilili Abuduwaili3State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, ChinaDesertification remains a critical global issue driven by climate change, unsustainable land use, and socio-economic pressures. This bibliometric review provides an in-depth analysis of desertification research from 1974 to 2024 using the Scopus database to identify trends, key players, and methodological advances. Publications grew exponentially during this period, from 21 in 1974 to a peak of 186 in 2023, demonstrating growing academic and policy attention. The analysis found that 4178 authors contributed to 2004 peer-reviewed articles, with China emerging as a leading research hub, contributing 386 publications and leading efforts in environmental restoration projects such as the Great Green Wall. Advanced methodologies, including remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), have facilitated large-scale monitoring, despite challenges such as data inconsistencies and limited resolution. Institutions such as Guizhou Normal University and Lanzhou University have led the global research effort, publishing 316 and 124 publications, respectively. Influential journals, including <i>Land Degradation and Development</i> and the <i>Journal of Arid Environments</i>, have played a key role in shaping the discourse. Historical analysis has highlighted the persistent threat of desertification to human societies, exemplified by the decline of civilizations such as the Sumerian and Khorezmian. Despite significant progress, regional differences in research attention persist, with Central Asia receiving limited attention despite its vulnerability. This review highlights the need for standardized methodologies, interdisciplinary approaches, and enhanced international collaboration. By leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable land management practices, the global community can mitigate the environmental and socio-economic impacts of desertification, promoting the resilience of ecosystems and communities while moving toward land degradation neutrality.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/3/496desertificationremote sensingclimate changeChinabibliometric
spellingShingle Arslan Berdyyev
Yousef A. Al-Masnay
Mukhiddin Juliev
Jilili Abuduwaili
Bibliometric Analysis of Desertification in the Period from 1974 to 2024 Based on the Scopus Database
Land
desertification
remote sensing
climate change
China
bibliometric
title Bibliometric Analysis of Desertification in the Period from 1974 to 2024 Based on the Scopus Database
title_full Bibliometric Analysis of Desertification in the Period from 1974 to 2024 Based on the Scopus Database
title_fullStr Bibliometric Analysis of Desertification in the Period from 1974 to 2024 Based on the Scopus Database
title_full_unstemmed Bibliometric Analysis of Desertification in the Period from 1974 to 2024 Based on the Scopus Database
title_short Bibliometric Analysis of Desertification in the Period from 1974 to 2024 Based on the Scopus Database
title_sort bibliometric analysis of desertification in the period from 1974 to 2024 based on the scopus database
topic desertification
remote sensing
climate change
China
bibliometric
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/3/496
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