Abstract: Field weeds pose significant threats to agricultural production. Weed occurrence is affected by many factors, both natural and artificial. Crop pattern, tillage practices and the management of water and fertiliser are three fundamental factors. In this review paper, we summarize the effects of crop species and the temporal and spatial patterns of cropping. We describe the weed control outcomes of different planting modes, and compare changes in weed communities under different tillage practices and fertiliser applications. Possible control mechanisms are identified by considering the competition for resources between crops and weeds, crop allelopathy and changes in soil seed banks. Reasonable crop rotation, intercropping and mixed intercropping significantly restrain weed occurrence. No-tillage can increase weed community diversity. Straw mulch can reduce weed density and biomass. The effects of fertiliser application on weeds vary due to differences in crop species, fertiliser amount and type. Long-term balanced fertilisation can reduce weed density but increase weed community diversity. Irrigation and improved efficiency of natural precipitation use can inhibit upland weeds, and deep water management at appropriate times can effectively control some weeds in paddy fields. We conclude with some suggestions and prospects for future research on weed control.