Weed control is supplied by the groundcover through competition for light, water, and nutrients. Within a groundcover system. management strategy shifts from total chemical dependence (i.e. preemergence and postemergence herbicide applications) to a comprehensive strategy that utilizes mowing and reduces overall herbicide use through directed spray applications. As can be seen above weed outbreaks occur along the edge of the plastic. herbicide applications can now be applied to only a fraction of the field compared to the entire field in a bareground setting.