Humic substances in plant growth and water stress mitigation: a systematic and bibliometric review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5902/2179460X92520Keywords:
Humic materials, Seedling production, Bibliometric indicatorsAbstract
Humic substances (HS) have been extensively studied for their ability to stimulate plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, and alleviate abiotic stresses. In this scenario, this study conducted a systematic and bibliometric analysis on the application of HS in promoting the growth of forest species and mitigating water stress in plants, based on data retrieved from the CAPES (Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education) and Scopus databases. From the CAPES database, 757 publications were initially identified, with 20 selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria—14 focused on forest species growth and 6 on water stress mitigation. In Scopus, 84 studies were found, of which 13 met the established criteria. The bibliometric analysis highlighted Brazil as a leading contributor to research on humic substances, with notable participation from influential researchers and international collaborations, particularly with Spain and Italy. The most frequently cited keywords were humic substances, humic acid, and root growth, while the Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo (Brazilian Journal of Soil Science) emerged as the most impactful journal in the field. The results point to a significant gap in the literature regarding the mechanisms of action of humic substances in forest species, reinforcing the need for further studies to elucidate their role in plant metabolism and expand their use in sustainable agriculture and forestry.
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