Nutsedges cannot penetrate paper mulches, but paper mulches are not in general use due to other factors. Clear mulches will allow the soil to warm faster and higher than opaque or black mulches. Weeds, however, will grow under the clear mulches. Clear mulches may be used, however, for soil solarization during the summer months. Germinating weeds will be killed by the high heat under the mulch when used in this manner.
Crop rotation is another cultural method that if used correctly can enhance weed control.
Knowledge of the weeds present in the field and growing a crop that has labeled herbicides that will control those weeds or using a crop whose growth habit will smother or shade out the weeds or whose growth allows cultivation to control the weeds are long term planning processes that can reduce weed competition. In planning rotations, the use of herbicides with long residues should be avoided. Cover crops can also be used to reduce weed buildup in fields. Cover crops can shade out certain weeds, compete with weeds and cause them not to flower or seed, or in some cases be allelopathic to weeds and kill them. Herbicides may be applied with some cover crops.