Ammonium and Salt Inhibition of Some Physiological Processes Associated with Seed Germination

Seed germination was totally inhibited by high (0.1 N) concentrations of potassium or ammonium salts. Partial inhibition of germination occurred with low (< 0.01 N) concentrations of ammonium salts, but low concentrations of potassium salts did not affect germination. Except with extreme salt or ammonium injury, the inhibition of germination was at least partially reversible. Respiration of germinating seeds was inhibited by both species of salts. Seedling development was severely impaired by ammonium salts, but not by potassium salts.