Effects of tannery effluent (25, 50, 75 and 100%) have been studied on seed germination of Oryza sativa, Acacia holosericea and Leucaena leucocephala. Germination was inhibited by 25% and 50% and prevented by 75% and 100% of the tannery effluent. Leaf area, biomass and chlorophyll content of Gossypium hirsutum, Vigna mungo, Vigna unquiculata and Lycopersicon esculentum of the control and the tannery effluent treated plants were examined. Leaf area (cm2) and biomass (g dry wt plant-1) of the tannery effluent-treated plants (25%) showed an increase over the control. Total protein and chlorophyll content (mg g-1 fresh wt) seemed to increase at 25% treatment. Compared to the control, the soil treated with tannery effluent was rich in Mg, Mn, Fe, Na and K ions. The effluent concentration al 75% and 100% (vol. by vol. in water) killed the plants and only 25% was found to be suitable for fertiliser use.