Based on the web of science and CNKI (China national knowledge infrastructure) database, bibliometrics was used to quantitatively analyze the historical advances of soil science in the past 30 years. The newly developed information visualization technology-Cite Space and Thomson Data Analyzer (TDA) conducted the research focus and fronts of soil science during three periods (1986-1995, 1996-2005, 2006-2013) using 57 495 and 350 265 references in the domestic and international studies, respectively. Similarities and differences of soil science during different periods between domestic and international studies were compared according to the cluster analysis. As for the international studies on soil topics, the soil fertility investigations were the research hotspots in the earlier stage and then transfered to the ecological environmental investigations, as well as the soil key processes driven by the soil microbes. However, the research of regional soil was the distinct characteristic of China's soil science. Most of these investigations focused on the increase of soil productivity, soil erosion and water conservation, soil contamination and remediation, which significantly demonstrated a continuously strengthened research progress and development trend of the intersection and the fusion among different subjects. The information of the bibliometric analysis will provide academic guidance for further promoting development, and highlight the challenge and opportunities for future soil science in China.