AbstractThe necessity of ecologically friendly farming systems coupled with the desire for foods free from synthetic chemicals has made organic farming one of the fastest‐growing agricultural enterprises. The transition from conventional agriculture to organic farming is a difficult period for several reasons, (1) since it occurs at a time of least experience for the growers getting into organic farming, (2) because predator–prey links are not fully developed, (3) because farmers usually do not receive a full premium for their products and (4) because initial yields may be low. Transitioning from conventional to organic farming is at the very least region‐specific and frequently farm‐specific in nature. In the southeastern USA the use of perennial grasses such as bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge) has been shown to have several benefits that may be useful in the transition process. Bahiagrass improves soil health by reducing erosion, increasing soil organic matter, recovering and conserving plant nutrients and promoting good soil structure. Furthermore, since bahiagrass is a non‐host to most soil‐borne pathogens, it reduces disease and nematode infestations. The resultant increase in soil organic matter from bahiagrass increases the abundance of beneficial organisms, which enables the new system to reach equilibrium quickly. Leguminous cover crops grown during the winter dormancy of bahiagrass provide the necessary nitrogen during the transitional stage. Cover crops also reduce weed emergence and improve soil structure and water retention. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry