A bibliometric analysis of scientific literature on alternate wetting and drying (AWD)

The study presents a bibliometric analysis of scientific literature on alternate wetting and drying (AWD) as a water-saving irrigation practice for rice cultivation. Data were collected from the Web of Science, resulting in a database of 439 articles written by 2574 authors in 167 journals. The study reveals the growing importance of AWD in publications from the 90s to mid-2022, with fast growth and reaching its peak in the last 5 years, suggesting that the full potential of AWD remains yet to be realised and explored. Most papers are produced in oriental countries, except the USA and Australia. The trend of keywords in the research on AWD reveals a persistence of certain themes throughout the years while simultaneously showcasing a clear evolution of the topics being addressed. In addition to optimising productivity and agricultural yields, research now encompasses environmental issues and human and crop health, reflecting a broader trend in agriculture and research towards sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. This analysis provides insights into the development and direction of research in AWD, emphasising the need for future research to address the emerging concerns of the impact of AWD on the environment, human and crop health, and economic profitability of AWD adoption.