The Role of Irrigation Water Filters in Ecosystem Functioning and Agricultural Ecology: A Bibliometric Study (2003–2024)
Abstract
Reuse of irrigation water after appropriate filtration has emerged as one of the most important strategies for addressing global water scarcity and improving the sustainability of agricultural systems. This study reviews the research progress on filtration technologies and the reuse of secondary water through a comprehensive visual and bibliometric analysis of the relevant scientific literature. Using tools such as R Studio, VOSviewer, and the Bibliometrix R‐package, a total of 374 publications published between 2003 and 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science database and systematically analyzed. The collected literature was examined with respect to publication trends, disciplinary distributions, leading journals, contributing countries, institutions, and authors. Additionally, an in-depth keyword analysis was conducted to explore co-occurrence networks, thematic clustering, and emerging research frontiers. The results indicate three distinct developmental stages in this field: a slow and exploratory phase beginning in 2003, followed by a period of moderate growth around 2013, and a rapid expansion phase that has been evident since 2018. Research outputs primarily span environmental sciences, engineering, water resources management, and agricultural sciences. The findings highlight an increasing global interest in sustainable water reuse and the need for continued innovation in filtration methods to enhance water quality and agricultural productivity. Future scientific efforts should emphasize the development of advanced, cost-effective filtration technologies, the reduction of environmental risks, and the promotion of large-scale water reuse practices to alleviate water shortages and support resilient agricultural systems.