ABSTRACT

Blaser, R.E. 1976. Plants and de-icing salts. American Nurseryman 144(12): 8-9, 50, 52-53.

De-icing salts are used in increasing amounts in the snow belt states because highway and park agencies encounter public pressure to remove snow and ice from roadways, walkways, and cycling paths. Along with mechanical snow removal, the use of salts is the most economical and reliable method for preventing accumulation and for removing ice and snow. There are opposing factions concerning the use of de-icing salts. One faction demands that the roadways and walkways be kept free of snow and ice. The other is strongly opposed to de-icing salt practices. The detrimental effects of de-icing salt are soil and water pollution that is harmful to plants and humans as well as water contamination, which makes water useless for certain industrial practices.