Described are preferred methods and compositions for controlling weeds in soil that involve the use of a bleaching herbicide such as fluridone in combination with at least one other additional selected herbicidal agent, which is preferably a PPO-inhibitor such as fomesafen or flumioxazin. Also described are safening effects of bleaching herbicidal agents such as fluridone on other herbicides, and of other herbicides on bleaching herbicidal agents. Further described are methods and compositions for controlling weeds in soil that comprise the use of fluridone. Methods and compositions for controlling weeds in permanent crops are also described.