Organic mulches can also be used both in vegetables, as well as fruit operations. Such mulches also provide the potential for soil improvement due to the addition of organic matter. Organic matter increases soil water holding capacity. Plastic mulch can be used to improve rainfall capture, thereby reducing pre-plant water requirements. These systems must be applied in early fall and must be used in cooperation with windbreaks to make them work.
Weeds are severe competitors for water and nutrients.
There are many ways to control weeds including mechanical, herbicides, mowing and combinations of these practices. The method of choice today is probably some type of herbicide. Herbicides can do a good job but they don't work miracles. Except for grasses, it is very hard to clean pre-existing conditions once the crop is up and growing. Crop selection has a lot to do with drought management capabilities.