Abstract: This paper reports on a study of the adaptability of oats (Avena sativa) to salt stress. In a hydroponic experiment, the physiological responses of four oat varieties (Bayou-1, Baiyan-2, Baiyan-6 and Baiyan-7) were investigated using six concentrations (0, 34.2, 68.4, 102.6, 136.8 and 171.0 mmol/L) of sodium chloride during seed germination and seedling stages. Seed germinating potential, germinating percentage, seedling height and root length were recorded. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and the soluble protein content in the leaves of seedlings were also measured. Salt stress had a significant impact on germinating potential and percentage. It also suppressed seedling height and root length. All four parameters decreased with increases in Na⁺ concentration. The activities of SOD and POD and leaf soluble protein content all increased at lower levels of Na⁺ concentration and then declined, peaking at 102.6 mmol/L NaCl. This study shows that oats have self-protecting mechanisms that adapt to salinity stress. The threshold of salt tolerance was 102.6 mmol/L NaCl. Of the four varieties, Baiyan-6 showed the most tolerance, while Baiyan-2 also revealed good potential. Both varieties could be used as candidates for selecting and breeding better genotypes of salt tolerant oats.