In recent years, plants in sandy soils have been impacted by increased climate variability due to weak water holding and temperature buffering capacities of the parent material. The projected impact spreads all over the world, including New England, USA. Many regions of the world may experience an increase in frequency and severity of drought, which can be attributed to an increased variability in precipitation and enhanced water loss due to warming. The overall benefits of biochar in environmental management have been extensively investigated. This review aims to discuss the water holding capacity of biochar from the points of view of fluid mechanics and propose several prioritized future research topics. To understand the impacts of biochar on sandy soils in-depth, sandy soil properties (surface area, pore size, water properties, and characteristics) and how biochar could improve the soil quality as well as plant growth, development, and yield are reviewed. Incorporating biochar into sandy soils could result in a net increase in the surface area, a stronger hydrophobicity at a lower temperature, and an increase in the micropores to maximize gap spaces. The capability of biochar in reducing fertilizer drainage through increasing water retention can improve crop productivity and reduce the nutrient leaching rate in agricultural practices. To advance research in biochar products and address the impacts of increasing climate variability, future research may focus on the role of biochar in enhancing soil water retention, plant water use efficiency, crop resistance to drought, and crop productivity.

Over 30% of Maine’s forestry industry is made up of women, with women in the minority comprising a small part of this. Improving representation in this industry can serve as a way for more women to enter the industry, to the benefit of their own professional paths and addressing climate change. Here, we share an effective approach to increase the number of women in the bioenergy sector, with an example of programming that centers mentoring and targets women in underrepresented groups. We found that approximately 29% of women hold executive or leadership positions in Maine companies related to bioenergy. We also discuss current strategies for improving gender-diverse teams in the bioenergy industry and increasing women’s presence in this industry. Presented as a case study, our training program had two goals: (1) a focus on the benefits of biochar and its importance in boosting Maine’s economy and mitigating climate change; and (2) using gender-diverse teams to encourage the next generation of girls and young women. Research universities are well-positioned to offer similar programs, and thus play a critical role in increasing and retaining the number of young women in forestry, agricultural, renewable energy, sustainable materials, and technologies programs. Our experience illustrates that gender-diverse teams can lead to better collaboration, innovation, and teamwork in the bioenergy and agricultural industry. This is the dynamic environment that can foster the relationship-building and mentoring necessary to retain underrepresented groups in the industry.