A comprehensive review of soil organic carbon estimates: Integrating remote sensing and machine learning technologies

Abstract Purpose Accurately assessing soil organic carbon (SOC) content is vital for ecosystem services management and addressing global climate challenges. This study undertakes a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global estimates for SOC using remote sensing (RS) and machine learning (ML) techniques. It showcases the historical growth and thematic evolution in SOC research, aiming to amplify the understanding of SOC estimation themes and provide scientific support for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Materials and Methods Employing extensive literature database analysis, bibliometric network analysis, and clustering techniques, the study reviews 1,761 articles on SOC estimation using RS technologies and 490 articles on SOC employing both RS and ML technologies. Results and Discussion The results indicate that satellite-based RS, particularly the Landsat series, is predominant for estimation of SOC and other associated studies, with North America, China, and Europe leading in evaluations with Africa is having low evaluations adopting RS technology. Trends in the research demonstrate an evolution from basic mapping to advanced topics such as carbon (C) sequestration, complex modeling, and big data utilization. Thematic clusters from co-occurrence analysis suggest the interplay between technology development, environmental surveys, soil properties, and climate dynamics. Conclusion The study highlights the synergy between RS and ML, with advanced ML techniques proving to be critical for accurate SOC estimation. These findings are crucial for comprehensive ecosystem SOC estimation, informed environmental management and strategic decision-making.