Mapping the Research Landscape of Soil Erosion in Protected Areas: A Systematic Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Soil erosion is a pressing global environmental challenge that threatens ecosystem stability, water quality, and biodiversity. While much research has focused on agricultural landscapes, erosion processes within protected areas have received comparatively less attention, despite their implications for conservation and the provision of ecosystem services. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 527 Scopus-indexed journal articles on soil erosion in protected areas and follows the PRISMA protocol. The analysis maps the thematic structure of the field, highlights influential publications and dissemination outlets, and examines global collaboration patterns. Results show a steady growth in research output and a thematic evolution from process-focused, site-specific studies toward integrated approaches that connect erosion processes with ecosystem services, sustainability, and advanced geospatial tools. Influential works draw on two complementary intellectual pillars, namely recreation ecology and soil conservation science. Knowledge dissemination takes place through a diverse range of journals, while collaboration networks link both regional partnerships and transcontinental connections. These findings provide a roadmap for enhancing the scientific and practical relevance of research in this field.