The soil carbon pool is the largest and most dynamic carbon reservoir in terrestrial ecosystems. Fertilization, an important component of agricultural management, is a significant factor influencing soil carbon sequestration. This study analyzed literature from the Web of Science from 2008 to 2024 using CiteSpace. The results revealed a steady increase in publications on this topic, with a significant surge in the recent four years. The analysis highlighted key collaborations among countries, institutions, and authors, and identified main journal sources and seminal works in the research on the role of fertilization in soil carbon sequestrations. Keyword analysis indicated that current research hotspots include ‘soil organic carbon dynamics and organic matter decomposition’, ‘microbial community dynamics and carbon cycling’, and ‘agricultural management practices on carbon sequestration’. In the context of climate change, future research is likely to focus on enhancing sustainable agricultural practices, promoting biochar and resource utilization, and utilizing microbial communities to optimize soil carbon sequestration. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the role of fertilization in soil carbon sequestration, providing important insights for improving soil carbon sequestration strategies.