The use of Circular Economy in Horticulture Research: A Bibliometric Analysis

This study explores the integration of Circular Economy (CE) concepts within horticultur-al research, assessing the reliability and depth of their application in scientific discourse. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 221 articles published between 2016 and 2024, utilizing PRISMA framework, VOSviewer, and MAXQDA software to analyses keywords, abstracts, and thematic patterns. The findings reveal a growing use of CE-related termi-nology in horticulture research, particularly post-2019, with increasing emphasis on re-source efficiency, waste minimization, and closed-loop systems. However, a discrepancy was identified between the usage of CE principles in article keywords and their represen-tation in abstracts, indicating an incomplete alignment with CE fundamentals. Despite this progress, the study highlights the need for a more consistent and precise application of CE principles to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical imple-mentation. This alignment is critical to advancing the sustainability of horticultural prac-tices and ensuring their contribution to broader environmental and economic goals. By fostering a deeper integration of CE concepts, horticulture research can play a pivotal role in addressing global sustainability challenges.