Abstract: Research was conducted to investigate the effects of spraying sewage effluent on hardwood forested land at Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine. Soil, organic matter, tree foliage, groundwater, and effluent samples were collected in 1978 and 1979. Soil samples were taken at two depths, 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm. The entire organic pad was removed as a single sample, with no separation of the O1 and O2 layers. Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) foliage was sampled periodically for nutrient levels. Groundwater sampling was accomplished with a total of 28 suction lysimeters placed at depths of 30 or 64 cm. Results indicate significant increases, following spraying, in the concentrations of exchangeable cations (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium) in the organic pad and in the upper 20 cm of soil. Sprayed soils and organic matter showed significant increases in pH, in available phosphorus, and in the percentage of base saturation levels. Total calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and manganese levels were significantly increased in the organic pad as a result of spraying. Total nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, and nitrate-nitrogen levels indicated no differences among treatment groups for both soil and organic pad samples. The C:N ratio in the organic pad was numerically decreased because of spraying, indicating a slight increase in the decomposition rate or organic matter; this loss, however, did not changethe percentage of organic matter in the soil. Sprayed sugar maple foliage showed significant increases in the percentage of nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, but a significant decrease in the percentage of manganese.