It is very common to use chemical herbicides to control weeds in maize. Considering the negative environmental impact of this practice and the societal pressure to reduce herbicide use, finding alternative solutions is desirable.

The diversification of the maize crop is a possible solution: sowing the maize in a (winter) partner crop, mowing the partner crop, and using the mulch for soil cover and weed suppression.

When the method is successful no chemical weed control is needed. Crop diversity increases due to the partner crop in between the maize rows. If the chosen partner crops flowers, it will also attract extra biodiversity.