Kavčnik homestead (Zavodnje, Slovenia) is a rear example of old Slovene rural architecture where a tradition of herbalist is maintained. Pollution of the soil and vegetation there is increasing because of thermo power plant Šoštanj impact and intensification of agricultural practices.

Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) Achillea millefolium, Alchemilla xanthochlora, Althea officinalis, Calendula officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Plantago lanceolata, Ruta graveolens, Thymus serpyllum, Valeriana officinalis and Arnica montana on small plots was performed there for five years. The yield and essential oil content of the plants and heavy metals pollution was studied to elucidate the degree of pollution and suitability of MAP cultivation.

Analysis of heavy metals (As, Hg, Cd, Pb) content in the plant and soil materials by atomic absorption spectrometry and essential oil content analysis by hydrodistillation were done. The results were compared to legislative values valid in Slovenia and recommended values in EU.

The yield and the content of essential oils as quality indicators were good for all cultivated plants. The level of pollution with Cd was increased in more than a half of plants, especially in Hypericum perforatum and Althea officinalis (ł 0.5 mg/kg). Preliminary results show that Valeriana officinalis and Ruta graveolens, could be recommended for cultivation in this area.