Maintenance of soil cover (using either a previous crop residue or specifically growing a cover crop for this purpose) is a possibility.

🌽 Covering the soil reduces the number of weed seeds and suppresses weed growth.
🌽 Covering the soil reduces erosion in the top layer of fertile soil.
🌽 Maintaining soil cover conserves soil moisture, especially in dry regions.
🌽 For smallholder farmers, it is recommended to use cover crops that can also act as sources of food.