Mapping regenerative agriculture research in coffee systems (2016–2024): A scientometric analysis of soil health, microbial indicators, and thematic trends

Agriculture faces significant sustainability challenges due to increasing global demand and climate change. In this context, Regenerative Agriculture (RA) has emerged as a holistic approach to revitalizing ecosystems. Despite the growth in publications, literature remains fragmented regarding concepts and indicators, especially in perennial tropical systems like coffee. This study addresses how scientific literature has interpreted and applied RA over the past decade (2016–2024), specifically in coffee production. The objective was to systematize and critically analyze current conceptual frameworks and practical applications. Methodologically, a bibliometric and systematic literature review was conducted using Web of Science and Scopus, focusing on publication trends, soil health, and microbial processes. RA focuses on enhancing soil health, biodiversity, water conservation, and climate mitigation. Unlike conventional sustainable practices, RA improves the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil such as organic matter, microbial diversity, and carbon sequestration without compromising productivity. Soil respiration serves as a key integrative metric for carbon fluxes. Typical practices include cover cropping, reduced tillage, and integrated systems. In coffee farming, strategies like mulching, bio-inputs, and agroforestry show potential for improving soil quality. Results show that while the USA, UK, and Australia lead research, Brazil is a growing contributor. Thematic mapping reveals a focus on carbon dynamics, though microbial indicators remain underrepresented. Significant knowledge gaps in tropical regions highlight the need for research linking soil health indicators to sustainable coffee cultivation, balancing productivity, ecosystem resilience, and long-term soil biological functioning.