Different Standing Operating Procedures may be acceptable depending on whether conventional or organic methods of cultivation are employed. However, care should be taken to avoid any environmental impact. The principles of good crop husbandry must be followed including appropriate rotation of crops.

9.1 Soil and fertilisation

9.1.1 Medicinal plants should not be grown in soil contaminated with sludge, heavy metals, residues, plant protection products or other chemicals etc. Any chemicals used in the growth or protection of the crop should be kept to a minimum.

9.1.2 Manure applied should be thoroughly composted and should be void of human faeces.

9.1.3 All other fertilising agents should be applied sparingly and in accordance with the needs of the particular species. Fertilisers should be applied in such a manner as to minimise leaching.

9.2 Irrigation

9.2.1 Irrigation should be controlled and carried out according to the needs of the medicinal plant.

9.2.2 Water used in irrigation should comply with regional/national quality standards.

9.3 Crop maintenance and plant protection.

9.3.1 Tillage should be adapted to plant growth and requirements.

9.3.2 Pesticide and herbicide applications should be avoided as far as possible. When necessary approved plant protection products should be applied at the minimum effective level in accordance with the recommendations from the manufacturer and authorities. The application should be carried out only by qualified staff using approved equipment. The minimum interval between such treatment and harvest time must be stipulated by the buyer or be consistent with recommendations from the manufacturer of the plant protection product. Regional and/or national regulations on maximum residue limits in the European Pharmacopoeia, European Directives, Codex Alimentarius etc should be complied with.