A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on the Nutrient Cycling of Chinese Fir ( Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) (1996–2024)

ABSTRACT Chinese fir ( Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) is a very important timber tree species native to the subtropical regions of China. For a long time, Chinese fir plantations have been operated in a highly intensive manner to obtain timber. However, the long‐term monoculture plantations lead to a decline in soil fertility and productivity. Nutrient cycling is the foundation for maintaining the productivity of forest ecosystems, guiding species selection and renewal, promoting sustainable management, and improving soil fertility. Therefore, interdisciplinary research holds significant practical value in advancing research on C. lanceolata nutrient cycling (CLNC). However, the existing literature reviews often only focus on specific topics or methodological advancements, lacking a comprehensive and systematic overview of the entire field. In this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis based on the Web of Science Core Collection database, covering publications from 1996 to 2024. We used CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to systematically and comprehensively examine research related to CLNC from multiple angles, such as publication trends, development trajectories, countries, institutions, authors, and journals. Our analysis revealed a clear pattern of rapid growth in CLNC research, particularly after 2011, with a marked acceleration since 2018. Research hotspots and keywords have evolved over time but consistently center on themes such as litter decomposition, carbon and nitrogen cycles, soil processes, and microbial communities. Looking forward, future studies should strengthen international collaboration, broaden research scopes, and integrate multi‐scale ecological processes. Furthermore, it is imperative to conduct more in‐depth research on the key components of the ecosystem (including nutrient cycling, carbon cycling, soil organisms, and the quality of litterfall), which will provide a more solid theoretical foundation for the sustainable management of the Chinese fir plantations. Therefore, a comprehensive and visualized bibliometric analysis of nutrient cycling in Chinese fir ecosystems is essential for enhancing our understanding of forest sustainability and guiding future research directions in this critical field.