Experiments were carried out to evaluate synthetic fertilizers effects on seed germination and seedling growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). In this study, three most commonly used synthetic fertilizers including Urea (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 1000 ppm), Triple superphosphate (10, 20, 30 and 60 ppm) and K2SO4 (100, 200, 300, 400 and 800 ppm) were used in four replications. The results showed that fertilizers at given concentrations did not change seed germination performance. However, there was a significant influence on seedling performance. Seedling growth under Triple superphosphate and K2SO4 applications was slightly enhanced, but the enhancement for Urea was notice only at low concentrations. At high concentrations the seedling growth significantly decreased in comparison with control. The root to shoot ratio was influenced by Urea and when the concentrations exceeded 300 ppm the ratio was decreased. The results also showed that Triple superphosphate improved root dry weight, but the other treatments decreased this trait slightly. It was concluded that the seedling growth of barley was more sensitive than seed germination to the fertilizers, and among the treatments Urea application due to inhibition effects at high concentrations must be used carefully.
