If you want a long term solution, use a weed barrier cloth first then spread mulch on top of it to hold it down and for asthetics.
Why no roundup?
I believe you can use wet newspaper as a barrier, then compost on top of that if you want to save some money. I haven't done this myself so I can't vouch for it's effectiveness.
it beats doing it yourself. mexicans work hard for little money to bring back to their families in mexico. just go to homedepot or other stores and they are around the entrance. support your local mexicanswow that's classy man.
No animals, they rob nutrients. Rotation of choice cover crops (preferrably legumes) all the way. If the ground is real poor, start with something like Pigeon Peas, eventually rotate to Nitro Alfalfa, then plant anything you want!