During "shmita", the land is left to lie fallow and all agricultural activity, including plowing, planting, pruning and harvesting, is forbidden by "halakha" (Jewish law). Other cultivation techniques (such as watering, fertilizing, weeding, spraying, trimming and mowing) may be performed as a preventive measure only, not to improve the growth of trees or other plants. Additionally, any fruits or herbs which grow of their own accord and where no watch is kept over them are deemed "hefker" (ownerless) and may be picked by anyone. A variety of laws also apply to the sale, consumption and disposal of "shmita" produce. All debts, except those of foreigners, were to be remitted.