<p>In the lower layer of Moroccan oases, forage crops, predominantly alfalfa, maize, and sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor</i> L.), are commonly cultivated. Sorghum seeds serve as a staple for human consumption, while its shoots and leaves are utilized as feed for oasis livestock. Like other crops worldwide, sorghum is susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change, notably salinity. This study evaluated the effects of argan biochar extract on germination, growth, antioxidant and chlorophyll pigment levels, and Na⁺/K⁺ accumulation in leaves under salt stress. Four treatment groups were tested: biochar extract + salt stress (E⁺S⁺), biochar extract without stress (E⁺S⁻), no extract + salt stress (E⁻S⁺), and no extract, no stress (E⁻S⁻). Germination was tracked over 10 days, and morphological/biochemical responses (chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio) were analyzed after 60 days. Our findings revealed a marked and significant enhancement in seed germination rates with the application of biochar extract (approximately 62.2% after 8 days of germination), demonstrating a more pronounced improvement in concentration when biochar extract was administered. The application of the extract resulted in a notable increase in chlorophyll pigment concentration by 54.12%, carotenoids by 86.8%, and anthocyanins by 85%. Furthermore, the use of the extract led to a pronounced decrease in the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, with a significant reduction of approximately 91%. This study highlights the potential of biochar extract as a sustainable and cost-effective solution to enhance seed germination, plant growth, and stress tolerance in crops, particularly under challenging conditions like salt stress. By significantly improving chlorophyll, carotenoid, and anthocyanin concentrations while reducing the Na + /K + ratio, it offers a practical approach for farmers to boost crop resilience and productivity in saline environments.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>