The spentwash, an effluent generated from distillery (DSW), even after primary treatment with biomethanation process contains high amount of soluble salts (9.18 ds m^-1), organic load [BOD-16057 and COD-28674 mg kg^-1], dissolved (1.21%) and suspended solids (1.43%) that exceeds the tolerance limit prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board. To assess the impact of its application on soil properties and crop growth, a laboratory experiment was conducted using loamy sand soil with various quantities of DSW viz., 0, 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 1500 m³ ha^-1. The incubation data after 120 days indicated increased soil organic carbon and available plant nutrients viz., N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu content with increased amounts of DSW application. However, the increased pH and soluble salt content cautious the problem of induction of salinity in soil. Further, germination and dry matter accumulation of maize was severely hampered in soils that received DSW at the rate above 500 m³ ha^-1 and complete crop failure was observed with 1500 m³ ha^-1 application.