This review provides an overview of cellulolytic bacteria found in forest and agricultural soils over the past 11 years. It delves into the study of soil-dwelling cellulolytic bacteria and the enzymes they produce, which are crucial for soil formation and the carbon cycle. Forests and agricultural activities are significant contributors to lignocellulosic biomass, with forests containing 20-30% cellulose in their leaf litter and the agricultural sector generating approximately 998 million tons of lignocellulosic waste annually. Predominant genera in forests include *Bacillus*, *Pseudomonas*, *Stenotrophomonas*, and *Streptomyces*, while in agricultural soils, these are replaced by *Bacillus*, *Streptomyces*, *Pseudomonas*, and *Arthrobacter*. The identification of cellulolytic bacteria is based on their hydrolysis ability, using artificial cellulose media and dyes like Congo red or iodine. However, some studies also measure cellulase activity in vitro. Notably, bacterial cellulose hydrolysis capability may not align with their cellulase enzyme production. Enzymes such as GH1, GH3, GH5, GH6, GH8, GH9, GH10, GH12, GH26, GH44, GH45, GH48, GH51, GH74, GH124, and GH148 are crucial, particularly GH48 for crystalline cellulose degradation. Accurate identification of cellulolytic bacteria necessitates comprehensive genomic analysis, supplemented by proteomic and transcriptomic techniques. The review highlights the importance of discovering novel cellulolytic strains in soil for various applications, including healthcare, food, textiles, bio-washing, bleaching, paper production, ink removal, and biotechnology.This review provides an overview of cellulolytic bacteria found in forest and agricultural soils over the past 11 years. It delves into the study of soil-dwelling cellulolytic bacteria and the enzymes they produce, which are crucial for soil formation and the carbon cycle. Forests and agricultural activities are significant contributors to lignocellulosic biomass, with forests containing 20-30% cellulose in their leaf litter and the agricultural sector generating approximately 998 million tons of lignocellulosic waste annually. Predominant genera in forests include *Bacillus*, *Pseudomonas*, *Stenotrophomonas*, and *Streptomyces*, while in agricultural soils, these are replaced by *Bacillus*, *Streptomyces*, *Pseudomonas*, and *Arthrobacter*. The identification of cellulolytic bacteria is based on their hydrolysis ability, using artificial cellulose media and dyes like Congo red or iodine. However, some studies also measure cellulase activity in vitro. Notably, bacterial cellulose hydrolysis capability may not align with their cellulase enzyme production. Enzymes such as GH1, GH3, GH5, GH6, GH8, GH9, GH10, GH12, GH26, GH44, GH45, GH48, GH51, GH74, GH124, and GH148 are crucial, particularly GH48 for crystalline cellulose degradation. Accurate identification of cellulolytic bacteria necessitates comprehensive genomic analysis, supplemented by proteomic and transcriptomic techniques. The review highlights the importance of discovering novel cellulolytic strains in soil for various applications, including healthcare, food, textiles, bio-washing, bleaching, paper production, ink removal, and biotechnology.