Examining the Effectiveness of Catch Crops as a Nature-Based Solution to Mitigate Surface Soil and Water Losses as an Environmental Regional Concern

Abstract The main goal of this research was to conduct a biophysical, economic, social, and perception-based approach foresee the solutions that could be used mitigate soil loss problem cost-effectively in “La Ribera del Xúquer” district (Valencia Region, Spain). To achieve these goals, farmer perception survey carried out, an assessment biophysical impact catch crops on organic matter, bulk density, steady-state infiltration rate (double-ring infiltrometer) runoff generation, erosion (rainfall simulation experiments) out 2016. For approach, two paired plots, i.e., vs. glyphosate herbicide treatment (in advance, control plot), were selected under clementine citrus production. results show matter increased from 1.14 1.63%, density decreased 1.47 1.27 g cm −3 after 10 years treatments using crops. They also facilitated higher rates 16.7 171 mm h −1 delay generation 149 654 s for crop plots. Both (from 50.6 3.1%) 3.9 0.04 Mg ha ) reduced once deployed field. After surveying (2018–2019), farmers stated use as speck dirt cause possible reputation when used. Moreover, ( N = 73) would accept effective nature-based alternative only if subsidy 131.17€ paid. demonstrated farmers' community see more benefit planet's health society. Few constraints, such ageing farmers’ population, lack education negative other management factors, are critical detrimental factors adopting solution reduce water losses. There is need agrarian extension service change fate current agriculture sustainability by new strategies contemporary agricultural practices.