A Comprehensive Review of Harvesting Equipment for Rhizome and Tuber Crops: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis of Trends, Influences, Intellectual Structures, and Future Directions

Authors

  • Ibrahim Issa Mohamed Issa 1. Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China, 2. Research Center on Mechanization Engineering of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Yunnan Universities, Kunming 650500, China Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9335-1384
  • Zhaoguo Zhang 1. ‎Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China 2. Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China 3. Research Center on Mechanization Engineering of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Yunnan Universities, Kunming 650500, China Author
  • Altyeb Ali Abaker Omer School of Tea and Coffee, Puer University, Puer, China Author
  • Xie Kaiting 1. ‎Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China 2. Research Center on Mechanization Engineering of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Yunnan Universities, Kunming 650500, China Author
  • Gati Zhuma 1. Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China 2. Research Center on Mechanization Engineering of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Yunnan Universities, Kunming 650500, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48162/rev.57.1.19

Keywords:

Bibliometric analysis , mechanization, precise agriculture , soil interaction , harvesting machines , rhizome and tuber crops, machine learning

Abstract

The mechanization of harvesting operations is essential for improving productivity in rhizome and tuber crop production, which demands specialized equipment due to the subterranean nature of these crops. This study aims to analyze global research trends, intellectual foundations, and emerging themes in harvesting equipment for rhizome and tuber crops. A systematic bibliometric and thematic analysis was conducted using the PRISMA framework, examining 165 publications from 2010 to 2024 retrieved from the Scopus database. Analytical tools including Biblioshiny and VOSviewer were employed to perform co-citation analysis, bibliographic coupling, and co-occurrence mapping. Results indicate a steady rise in global research output, with significant contributions from China, Russia, and India. Two dominant thematic areas emerged: the optimization and performance of harvesting machinery, and the interaction of these machines with soil conditions, highlighting sustainability. Key technological trends include automation, sensor-based systems, and artificial intelligence. Despite advancements, high costs and low adoption among smallholder farmers remain challenges. This study offers a strategic overview to guide future innovations and policymaking in sustainable agricultural mechanization.

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Published

2025-07-05

Issue

Section

Agricultural Sciences

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How to Cite

A Comprehensive Review of Harvesting Equipment for Rhizome and Tuber Crops: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis of Trends, Influences, Intellectual Structures, and Future Directions. (2025). Revista De La Facultad De Ciencias Agrarias, 57(1). https://doi.org/10.48162/rev.57.1.19

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