Abstract: The effects of NaCl (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 mmol/L) and Na₂CO₃ (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 mmol/L) stresses on seed germination and early seedling metabolism were studied in Vicia costata. Parameters measured included: soluble sugar, proline, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) antioxidant enzyme activities. Key results were: 1) Seed germination rates were significantly reduced under both types of stress, but germination reduction under Na₂CO₃ stress was much greater than under NaCl stress; 2) Concentrations of MDA and proline increased under both kinds of stress, but increases associated with Na₂CO₃ stress were much greater than with NaCl stress; 3) The activities of SOD and POD were increased at low stress and decreased at high stress, but the decease under high NaCl stress was small; 4) The soluble sugar concentration was increased under Na₂CO₃ stress, but under NaCl stress was increased at low stress and decreased at high stress. In summary, the inhibition of Vicia costata under Na₂CO₃ stress is much greater than under NaCl stress. This research provides data about this forage species that will assist with the formulation of crop husbandry guidelines.