Synergy of Pollinators and Flower Strips: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends

Abstract

The integration of pollinators and flower strips into agricultural landscapes has emerged as a key strategy for addressing current challenges in agricultural sustainability and biodiversity conservation. This study presents a comprehensive global bibliometric analysis of research trends in this field from 2009 to 2023, offering an in-depth overview of progress and remaining gaps. By reviewing 155 publications retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database, advanced tools such as VOSviewer and Tree of Science were used to analyze author networks, thematic dynamics, and citation patterns, identifying areas of significant impact and research growth. The results reveal a steady annual growth rate of 23.6% in scientific output, with Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States leading the field, collectively accounting for 54.2% of the publications. More than 76.8% of these studies were published in the last 5 years, highlighting an increasing interest in incorporating flower strips as part of sustainable agricultural strategies. However, despite this progress, our analysis identifies a critical gap in understanding the long-term ecological and economic impacts of flower strips, particularly regarding their effectiveness in enhancing pollinator health and agricultural productivity. Additionally, there is a dearth of research on their adaptation and implementation in diverse geographic contexts, such as tropical and arid regions, where specific environmental conditions may influence their performance and sustainability. Most of the reviewed studies are short-term, limiting the understanding of flower strips' long-term effects on agricultural productivity and biodiversity. Additionally, there is a significant lack of research focusing on the implementation and effectiveness of flower strips in tropical and arid regions, emphasizing the need to expand the geographical scope of future studies. To maximize the potential of flower strips, we recommend developing standardized methodologies to consistently assess pollination services and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration to address the complex interactions between agricultural practices, pollinator conservation, and ecosystem services. Beyond providing a solid foundation for future research, this analysis offers critical recommendations for the development of agricultural policies that promote biodiversity and agroecosystem resilience, thereby helping to mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance global agricultural sustainability.