Published July 15, 2024 | Version v1
Dataset Open

Data from: Fertilizer and deicer use and perceptions in SW Ohio (USA)

  • 1. United States Air Force Academy

Description

Fertilizers and deicers are common materials for property maintenance in the Midwest, however, their application contributes to negative environmental impacts when applied incorrectly. While fertilizer use is well researched, deicer use on private properties is not. This research aims to ascertain whether patterns of fertilizer use are different from those of deicer use in Hamilton County, Ohio, and determine what factors influence a resident's decision to use these materials. Survey data were collected from 110 single-family households (38.9% response rate). Respondents are motivated by property appearance to apply fertilizers. Deicer use stems from safety concerns. Respondents were significantly more likely to consider the environmental impact of fertilizers than deicers. Respondents felt that using deicers is a more neighborly practice while using fertilizers reflects more positively on them in their neighborhood. This information can be used to develop outreach programs to reduce the environmental impacts of fertilizers and deicers.

Methods

A survey was designed to gauge respondents' perceptions and usage of fertilizers and deicers. Questions included in the survey asked respondents about the frequency with which residents use fertilizer and deicer, perceptions and knowledge of these materials, and demographic information (e.g., age, income, education, gender). Previous studies which focused on individuals' uses of fertilizers, deicers, and other lawn management practices were used as a guide for designing questions for this survey.

A random sample of 300 single family homes in Hamilton County was selected to receive the survey materials using ArcGIS Pro 2.9.2 and parcel data downloaded from the Hamilton County Community Planning Maps and GIS website in May of 2022. The surveys, as well as a $2 bill incentive, were distributed and collected using the Drop-off Pick-up (DOPU) method. Each survey packet contained a cover letter and printed cover sheet entitled "Research Consent Form" which informed potential participants about their rights as a survey participant. The cover sheet specified that answering the questions on the survey was completely voluntary and that the data participants provided would be anonymized and presented in aggregate form so that no one individual or household could be identified. No participant under 18 years of age was recruited and the cover letter stated that "Participation in this research is restricted to persons 18 years of age or older".  Lastly, the consent form provided contact information for the researchers and our Research Ethics and Integrity Office.  Placing the fully or partially completed survey for the researchers to retrieve was understood as providing informed consent.  The survey instrument, consent form, and recruitment mechanism were approved by the Research Ethics and Integrity Office at Miami University (project # 04247e). The dates of recruitment of participants, distribution and collection of survey materials took place from the June 1st to August 20th, 2022.  Completed survey responses were recorded using Qualtrics. ArcGIS Pro was used to classify land cover and area for each household selected for surveying. The land covers on each parcel were digitized and divided into the following categories: lawn, building, driveway, sidewalk, patio, and pool. The various land cover classifications and their surface area for each parcel were used to calculate suggested fertilizers and deicer amounts for each household. These suggested amounts were compared to the amounts self-reported by respondents in the surveys.

Files

FertDeice_Survey_Digi_Data4Dryad_Anonymous.csv

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