This is the ninth in the series of Biochar Expert Profiles, where we celebrate those who have dedicated their passion, expertise, and innovation to advancing the biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More field. These experts come from all walks of life: renowned scientists whose groundbreaking research has redefined possibilities, emerging researchers whose fresh perspectives are shaping the future, industry leaders who are growing the market through new technologies and business models, and unsung heroes who work tirelessly to enrich soils with biochar. Whether it’s their pioneering techniques, insightful discoveries, or unwavering dedication, these individuals are the heart and soul of the biochar revolution. By highlighting their contributions and sharing their knowledge, this series aims to inspire the biochar community at large.

Dr. Sara Duarte, a leading Biochar Consultant at GECA Environment and a distinguished Soil Science researcher from the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo. Based in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area, Dr. Duarte is a passionate advocate for sustainable soil management, firmly believing it’s a crucial pathway to mitigate climate change and address water scarcity. Dr. Duarte’s research is dedicated to increasing carbon sequestration in soil through the strategic application of biochar. She focuses on establishing baseline values for carbon storage and identifying proactive management practices that enable agricultural production to directly utilize this carbon in the soil. This innovative approach not only aims to mitigate climate change but also holds the potential to increase crop yields and reduce production costs.

With a robust background including a Doctorate and Master’s in Soil and Plant Nutrition from the Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Dr. Duarte has extensive experience in project development, experimental implementation, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. Her work has spanned international collaborations with institutions like the National University of Mexico (UNAM) and Martin Luther University (MLU) in Germany. Dr. Duarte is actively involved in the biochar community, serving on scientific committees for significant events like Biochar IV and sharing her expertise in interviews with organizations such as Tecolli Carbon Cluster. Her insights cover the entire value chain of biochar solutions, from production and commercialization to carbon markets and financial viability.

Biochar Today readers will find this conversation to be very insightful, and I’m happy to share it.

Shanthi Prabha : Sara, what sparked your initial interest in soil science and the specific path towards researching biochar? Was there a particular “aha!” moment?

Sara Duarte: My interest in soil science began during my agronomy degree when I worked with farmers in Sergipe, Brazil. We faced severe soil compaction that was limiting citrus production, and that opened my eyes to how crucial—and often overlooked—soil physics is to crop success.

Later, near the end of my master’s in Soil Science in 2015, I discovered biochar. I was immediately struck by its potential to improve water retention and soil fertility—issues I had seen firsthand in the field. That was my “aha” moment. I realized biochar could be a powerful tool for sustainable agriculture, which inspired me to pursue a PhpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More.D. focused on it.

SP: You’ve worked across academia and now in a more applied role at GECA Environnement. How do these different environments shape your perspective on the potential and practical application of biochar?

SD: In academia, my work focused primarily on understanding how biochar could be applied to agricultural soil—its benefits, potential risks, and its role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Now, at GECA Environnement, my perspective has broadened significantly. I’ve come to see that we are only at the beginning exploring the biochar’s full potential. Biochar is not just a soil amendment—it’s a multifunctional carbon-based material that has potential to be used anywhere that carbon plays a role.

This transition from academia to industry has shown me how biochar can serve as a key carbon ingredient in countless sectors. It’s much more than an agricultural input—it’s a foundational material for sustainable innovation across industries.

SP: You’re passionate about mitigating climate change and water scarcity through better soil management. What keeps you motivated in this challenging but crucial field, and what gives you the most hope.

SD: Biochar plays a key role in tackling both climate change and water scarcity, and that’s what keeps me motivated. Biochar has started with small companies, now the scenario is changing as larger players are recognizing biochar as a serious climate solution. In this new scenario, we can expect more large-scale biochar field applications, significantly boosting our ability to mitigate climate change and alleviate water scarcity.

SP: You’ve investigated biochar’s impact on soil fertility and water saving. Could you share some of the most significant or surprising findings from your research in these areas?

SD: In sandy soils in Brazil, we tested Miscanthus giganteus biochar after 18 months the soil was visibly more aggregated than the control an effect that may enhance water retention over time. We also found that particle size made no difference to water-holding capacity in loamy soils.

In recent Mexican field trial using coconut shell biochar, we observed marked improvements in soil chemistry. These changes enabled a 36% reduction in chemical fertilizer inputs while maintaining high maize yields.

SP: You’re currently editing a book on biochar. What are some of the key themes or insights you hope to convey in this publication, especially regarding its application in regions where it’s less established? Discussing Practical

SD: The book is designed to support developing countries in building a sustainable economy through biochar. While we include examples from successful companies in developed nations, the goal is to use those as models to inspire and inform regions where biochar is still emerging. A key feature of the book is a series of interviews with biochar producers and experts, highlighting what they’re doing, the challenges they face, and where they see future opportunities.

We also include a practical chapter called “Biochar Carbon Projects for Dummies”—a step-by-step guide for launching successful biochar carbon projects. Other chapters explore biochar enhancement for agricultural use, its wide-ranging applications beyond farming, and strategies to promote adoption.

SP: In your role at GECA Environnement, you help businesses develop biochar projects. What are some of the common challenges or opportunities you see when translating biochar research into real-world applications in agriculture or other sectors?

SD: The biggest challenge in translating biochar research into real-world applications is the general lack of awareness. Biochar is a multifunctional product with enormous potential, but many people, including farmers and policymakers, don’t fully understand what it is or how to use it. This knowledge gap limits its adoption and slows down the development of supportive policies and markets.

At the same time, many projects lean too heavily on carbon credits, leaving them vulnerable if credits underperform. While carbon removal is a key benefit, it’s not enough on its own to sustain a business. To succeed, companies must diversify their revenue streams so they can build a more resilient and profitable business model around biochar.

There’s a real opportunity to introduce biochar across multiple sectors and make it a mainstream product. Policy discussions and incentive programs are essential to help drive adoption, particularly among farmers.

SP: What proactive soil management practices, beyond just adding biochar, do you believe are crucial for maximizing its benefits and achieving sustainable agricultural production?

SD: One of the most important soil management practices—beyond adding biochar—is keeping the soil covered with organic residues as it helps to regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and support microbial life—all of which enhance the effectiveness of biochar. A key lesson comes from the Amazon: despite having poor and acidic soils, the forest thrives because of the continuous carbon and nutrient cycling driven by organic matter. Removing that organic layer breaks the cycle. So, never underestimate the value of organic matter. Keep it on the soil.

SP: Looking ahead, what are some of the most exciting emerging trends or areas of research within the field of biochar that you believe could have a significant impact in the coming years?

SD: One of the most exciting emerging trends is the development of biochar-based composite materials. We’re seeing rapid growth in using biochar beyond agriculture—in biobased industrial materials, water treatment filters, animal care products, and construction material. The integration of biochar-based products into broader agricultural and industrial technologies will be kye to enable large-scale adoption.

SP: If you could give one piece of advice to farmers or policymakers who are considering incorporating biochar into their practices or strategies, what would it be?

SD: There is a lot of recommendations, but one I consider kye is Seek expert guidance before biochar application. Working with someone who understands both soil and biochar can save you time, money, and frustration.

SP: Beyond its environmental benefits, what potential economic advantages do you see for agricultural producers who adopt biochar practices?

SD: Biochar can help farmers save on chemical fertilizers and irrigation, while also boosting yields—leading to higher income. The potential of biochar is enormous—it just needs to be tested and applied to see its full impact.

SP: To allow our readers to explore your fascinating work further, could you share a link to your professional profile, research page, or any  website where they can learn more about your  biochar research and initiatives? 
SD: You can learn more about my biochar research and interest by vising my LinkedIn page linkedin.com/in/saradejesusduarte and my Research Gate profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sara-Duarte-14