Reduced tillage practices are better for the environment, but some farmers worry about controlling weeds. Crop rotation is often suggested to help with weed management, but it's not always clear how different tillage methods and crop rotations work together. In a study in South Africa, researchers found that using zero tillage with crop rotation actually increased weed density compared to using minimum tillage. This could be because there are fewer options to control weeds without tilling the soil, or because crop residue helps weeds grow. To reduce tillage and manage weeds effectively, farmers should consider using minimum tillage instead of zero tillage, and avoid planting the same crop every year.