The physico-chemical properties of the effluents of Hindustan Lever (India) Ltd, Ghaziabad, UP (HLF) and its soap splitting unit (SSU) were determined. The effects of HLF effluent in four different concentrations (i.e. 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) on certain physicochemical properties of fertile soil and on the germination and growth of two common crop plants have been studied. The values of total solids, NH 3N, NO 3N, COD, BOD, chlorides and sulphates were found to be high in both effluents. Considerable amounts of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium were also present, as well as traces of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cd, Zn, Cu, Co, Pb and Ni). The effluent (HLF) at all dilutions raised the concentrations of water-soluble salts, CaCO 3, NH 3N, potassium, phosphorus and organic matter of the soil. The greatest changes were, however, caused by the undiluted effluent. The upper layers of soils receiving effluent had higher values of available nutrients that the lower layers. The highest perturbance was noted in the organic matter content of the soil when it was irrigated with 100% effluent, with successively lower effects on NH 3N, potassium, phosphorus and CaCO 3. Seventy-five per cent, 50% and 25% effluent also disturbed the soil composition accordingly. No significant change was noted in the soil pH. The germination of pea and mustard seeds was delayed and restricted to 90% of normal when undiluted effluent was used for irrigation, whereas germination was normal with other effluent concentrations. Undiluted effluent inhibited the growth of plants whilst 75% effluent enhanced it. The growth of crops substantially reduced the nutrient content of the soils, as was established by comparing the crop-supporting soils with irrigated, uncropped soils.