Using Fertilizers
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Used sparingly, garden fertilizer can be a safe alternative for melting ice. In a complete fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, muriate of potash (KC1) is the ice melter. The super-phosphate adds traction. Fertilizer is not quite as effective as salt for melting ice, but it is beneficial to plants if applied in about the same quantities recommended for sodium compounds. Applying too much fertilizer also can harm plants.
Pure nitrogen fertilizer, such as urea, also can be used. It melts ice at temperatures as low as -11°C (11° F), and is best applied at temperatures between (-3.9° C and -1° C) (25 and 30°F). Urea can be applied at a rate of 4.5 kg per 30 m2 (10 lbs. per 100 square feet). For small areas, a mixture of 1.3 kg (3 lbs.) of urea and 30 kg (100 lbs.) of sand works well.
Calcium chloride is a more effective ice melter than fertilizer, but it, too, can harm plants. Mixing calcium chloride with sawdust, however, will keep most of it from leaving the sidewalk in runoff water. Apply one part calcium chloride to three parts sawdust. This provides traction, and when warmer weather comes, you can sweep up the mixture and either compost it or dispose of it in the garbage.
Other materials that can be used for traction are gravel, sand, cat litter or cinders. If you decide to use fertilizer, sawdust or any of these materials that provide traction, keep a sturdy mat at your front door to prevent them from being tracked into your house.
