• This study quantified global soil C research trends and the proportional focus on SOC and SIC pools. • Soil inorganic C is an overlooked pool with only 4% share in global soil C research. • Approximately 40% of the soil C research was dedicated to climate change. • Soil C research is concentrated in few countries with 70% research contributed by 9 countries. • It is imperative to expand research focus on SIC to gain a comprehensive understanding of global C cycle.