Sustainable intensification to coordinate agricultural efficiency and environmental protection: a systematic review based on metrological visualization

ABSTRACT Sustainable intensification (SI) is a necessary approach to overcome the contradictions between food demands and resource and environmental constraints. We reviewed 2,475 papers on the topic ‘Sustainable Intensification,’ from Web of Science (WOS), with the help of visualizations drawn by CiteSpace and Biblioshiny. The objectives are: (i) to clarify the concept and connotations of SI, and (ii) to draw conclusions on the current situation, hotspots, and trends in SI research. The results show that: (1) Although SI has become one of the most frequently and widely used terms, its precise definition needs to be defined. (2) The number of papers on the topic of SI has been increasing, especially in the last five years. (3) A group of core authors, a representative journal cluster, and a cooperative research network have all been established. (4) Arable agriculture is the main field of SI research.