Agroforestry literature in the European Union: a bibliometric review and content analysis of key research areas and developments from 1984 to 2025

Abstract This study reviews agroforestry research in the European Union (EU) by analyzing 902 articles published between 1984 and 2025. We apply bibliometric and content analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, complemented by network analysis using VOSviewer to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the literature. Particularly, our study focuses on three key research questions: (1) How has agroforestry research in the EU evolved over time and space? (2) What are the most common types of agroforestry systems and structures studied? (3) What are the key research areas covered in the literature? Our results reveal that (i) research activity has increased substantially, with 42% of articles published between 2021 and 2025, identifying a geographical focus in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, and France; (ii) silvopastoral systems dominate the literature, whereas agrosilvopastoral practices receive less attention, with studies focusing on dehesa landscapes, alley cropping, and orchards as the most frequently investigated agroforestry structures; and (iii) research areas are strongly oriented toward ecosystem services, especially regulating and provisioning services, while cultural services, economic dimensions, and stakeholder perspectives are still underrepresented, despite their recognized importance for the wider adoption of agroforestry systems. In conclusion, future research should extend beyond the currently dominant regions to better represent underexplored countries. Specifically, policy incentives should provide targeted funding and promote holistic, practice-oriented approaches. In order to increase adoption and close key gaps, agroforestry research requires greater attention to the economic dimensions and stakeholder perceptions.