Fertilizer and deicer use and perceptions in SW Ohio (USA)

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 th..., 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 abou..., , # Fertilizer and Deicer Use and Perceptions in SW Ohio (USA)

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.573n5tbf1](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.573n5tbf1)

Answers to questions to a survey designed to gauge respondents' perceptions and usage of fertilizers and deicers. The table contains answers from 110 single-family households in Hamilton County, Ohio, USA, a population thought to be generally representative of homeowners in the midwestern USA. It also contains the total surface area in square feet of lawn cover for each respondents' parcel, and similarly how much area is potentially

## Description of the data and file structure

Missing answers (where a respondent chose not to answer that question or missed the question) are identified with n/a in the .csv.

Questions with an asterisk in front of them (*) were aggregated in order to preserve the anonymity of the respondents.

Questions number 37 and 38 (about gender and race/ethnicity) were removed from the dataset to help preserve the anonym...