Hostname: page-component-745bb68f8f-grxwn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-01-11T04:04:12.111Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Are Consumers Willing to Pay More for Low-Input Turfgrasses onResidential Lawns? Evidence from Choice Experiments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 January 2015

Chengyan Yue ,
Kari Hugie  and
Eric Watkins
Chengyan Yue
Affiliation:
Horticultural Marketing and Departments of Applied Economics and Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota
Kari Hugie
Affiliation:
Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota
Eric Watkins
Affiliation:
Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

A choice experiment with real products was used to investigate consumerwillingness to pay (WTP) for several low-input attributes of turfgrasses.The choice scenarios consisted of turfgrass plots, which varied in aestheticquality characteristics and were labeled with differing levels ofmaintenance requirements (irrigation, fertilizer, etc.), shade adaptation,origin, and price. A mixed logit model was used to analyze the choice dataand estimate consumer WTP. Our results suggest that low-input maintenanceattributes significantly influence consumer choice behavior and identify astrong consumer preference for reduced irrigation and mowing requirements.The introduction of low-input turfgrasses could be a viable strategy forreducing the maintenance inputs and costs for residential lawn care.

Keywords

willingness to paychoice experimentlow-inputhome lawnirrigationmowing frequencyfertility requirementQ13Q58
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics , Volume 44 , Issue 4 , November 2012 , pp. 549 - 560
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 2012

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Alfnes, F., Gutormsen, A., Steine, G., and Kolstad, K. “Consumers' Willingness to Pay for the Color of Salmon: A Choice Experiment with Real Economic Incentives.” American Journal of Agricultural Economics 88(2006):1050–61.10.1111/j.1467-8276.2006.00915.xGoogle Scholar
Alig, R., Kline, J., and Lichtenstein, M. “Urbanization on the U.S. Landscape: Looking Ahead in the 21st Century.” Landscape and Urban Planning 69(2004):219–34.10.1016/j.landurbplan.2003.07.004Google Scholar
Beard, J., and Green, R. “The Role of Turfgrasses in Environmental Protection and Their Benefits to Humans.” Journal of Environmental Quality 23(1994):452–60.Google Scholar
Boer, K., and Ripp, J. 2008. “Wisconsin Municipal Water Use Regulation: A Summary of Water Use Ordinances in Wisconsin.” Madison, WI: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Internet site: http://psc.wi.gov/utihtyinfo/water/document WIWaterUseRegulation.pdf (Accessed March 26, 2012).Google Scholar
Brilman, L., and Watkins, E. “Hairgrasses (Deschampsia spp.).” Turfgrass Biology, Genetics, and Breeding. Casler, M. and Duncan, R., eds. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 2003.Google Scholar
Brooks, K., and Lusk, J. “Stated and Revealed Preferences for Organic and Cloned Milk: Combining Choice Experiment and Scanner Data.” American Journal of Agricultural Economics 92(2010):1229–41.10.1093/ajae/aaq054Google Scholar
Brownstone, D., and Train, K. “Forecasting New Product Penetration with Flexible Substitution Patterns.” Journal of Econometrics 89(1999):109–29.Google Scholar
Burton, M., and Pearse, D. “Consumer Attitudes towards Genetic Modification, Functional Foods, and Microorganisms: A Choice Modeling Experiment for Beer.” AgBioForum 5(2002):51–58.Google Scholar
Carlsson, F., Frykblom, P., and Lagerkvist, C. “Consumer Benefits of Labels and Bans on GM Foods-Choice Experiments with Swedish Consumers.” American Journal of Agricultural Economics 89(2007):152–61.10.1111/j.1467-8276.2007.00969.xGoogle Scholar
Carpenter, P., and Meyer, M. “Edina Goes Green Part III: A Survey of Consumer Lawn Care Knowledge and Practices.” HortTechnology 9(1999):491–94.Google Scholar
Christians, N. Fundamentals of Turfgrass Management. 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 2004.Google Scholar
Diesburg, K., Moore, N., Branham, R., Danneberger, B., Reicher, T., Voigt, Z., Minner, T., and Newman, D. “Species for Low-Input Sustainable Turf in the U.S. Upper Midwest.” Agronomy Journal 89(1997):690–94.10.2134/agronj1997.00021962008900040024xGoogle Scholar
Duncan, R. “Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz).” Turfgrass Biology, Genetics, and Breeding. Casler, M. and Duncan, R., eds. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 2003.Google Scholar
Engel, U., and Poetschke, M. “Willingness to Pay for the Environment: Social Structure, Value Orientations and Environmental Behavior in a Multilevel Perspective.” Innovation (Abingdon) 11(1998):315–32.Google Scholar
Engelke, M., and Anderson, S. “Zoysiagrasses (Zoysia spp.).” Turfgrass Biology, Genetics, and Breeding. Casler, M. and Duncan, R., eds. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 2003.Google Scholar
Gladwin, T., Kennely, J., and Krause, T. “Shifting Paradigms for Sustainable Development- Implications for Management Theory and Research.” Academy of Management Review 20(1995):874–907.Google Scholar
Government of Quebec. 2006. The Pesticides Management Code. Ministère du Développement Durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs, Quebec, Canada. Internet site: http://www2. publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca/dynamicSearch/telecharge.php?type = 3 &file=/P_9_3/P9_3R1_ A.HTM (Accessed March 26, 2012).Google Scholar
Guagnano, G., Dietz, T., and Stern, P. “Willingness to Pay for Public Goods: A Test of the Contribution Model.” Psychological Science 5(1994):411–15.10.1111/j.1467-9280.1994.tb00295.xGoogle Scholar
Hanna, W., and Liu, J. “Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides).” Turfgrass Biology, Genetics, and Breeding. Casler, M. and Duncan, R., eds. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 2003.Google Scholar
Helfand, G., Park, J. Sik, and Nassauer, J. “The Economies of Native Plants in Residential Landscape Designs.” Landscape and Urban Planning 78(2006):229–40.10.1016/j.landurbplan.2005.08.001Google Scholar
Hu, W., Hiinnemeyer, A., Veeman, M., Adamowicz, W., and Srivastava, L. “Trading Off Health, Environmental and Genetic Modification Attributes in Food.” European Review of Agriculture Economics 31(2004):389–408.10.1093/erae/31.3.389Google Scholar
Hu, W., Woods, T.A., and Bastin, S. “Consumer Acceptance and Willingness to Pay for Blueberry Products with Nonconventional Attributes.” Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics 41(2009):47–60.S1074070800002546Google Scholar
Hull, R.J., Aim, S.R., and Jackson, N. “Toward Sustainable Lawn Turf.” Handbook of Integrated Pest Management for Turf and Ornamentals. Leslie, A.R., ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994.Google Scholar
Johnson, P. “Native Grasses as Drought-Tolerant Turfgrasses of the Future.” Handbook of Turf-grass Management and Physiology. Pessarakli, M., ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2008.Google Scholar
Krenitsky, E., Carroll, M., Hill, R., and Krouse, J. “Runoff and Sediment Losses from Natural and Man-Made Erosion Control Materials.” Crop Science 38(1998):1042–46.10.2135/cropsci1998.0011183X003800040026xGoogle Scholar
Laroche, M., Bergeron, J., and Barbaro-Forleo, G. “Targeting Consumers Who Are Willing to Pay More for Environmentally Friendly Products.” Journal of Consumer Marketing 18(2001):503–20.10.1108/EUM0000000006155Google Scholar
Louviere, J., Hensher, D., and Swait, J. Stated Choice Methods: Analysis and Applications. 5th ed. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2000.Google Scholar
Lusk, J., and Schroeder, T. “Are Choice Experiments Incentive Compatible? A Test with Quality Differentiated Beef Steaks.” American Journal of Agricultural Economics 86(2004):467–82.10.1111/j.0092-5853.2004.00592.xGoogle Scholar
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). 2010. Municipal Water Use Restrictions. Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs: Boston, MA Internet site: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/wateruse.htm (Accessed March 26, 2012).Google Scholar
McCluskey, J.J., Mittelhammer, R.C., Marin, A.B., and Wright, K.S. “Effect of Quality Characteristics on Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Gala Apples.” Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics 55(2007):217–31.10.1111/j.1744-7976.2007.00089.xGoogle Scholar
McPherson, E., Simpson, J., and Livingston, M. “Effects of Three Landscape Treatments on Residential Energy and Water Use in Tucson, Arizona.” Energy and Building 13(1989):127–38.10.1016/0378-7788(89)90004-2Google Scholar
Meyer, M., and Pedersen, B. “Low Maintenance Alternative Turf Trials.” Journal of Turfgrass Management 3(2000):49–57.10.1300/J099v03n02_04Google Scholar
Milesi, C., Running, S., Elvidge, C., Dietz, J., Turtle, B., and Nemani, R. “Mapping and Modeling the Biogeochemical Cycling of Turf Grasses in the United States.” Environmental Management 36(2005):426–38.10.1007/s00267-004-0316-216086109Google Scholar
Mintenko, A., Smith, S., and Cattani, D. “Turf-grass Evaluation of Native Grasses for the Northern Great Plains Region.” Crop Science 42(2002):2018–24.10.2135/cropsci2002.2018Google Scholar
Mtimet, N., and Albisu, L. “Spanish Wine Consumer Behavior: A Choice Experiment Approach.” Agribusiness 22(2006):343–62.10.1002/agr.20090Google Scholar
Onken, K.A., Bernard, J.C., and Pesek, J.D. “Comparing Willingness to Pay for Organic, Natural, Locally Grown, and State Marketing Program Promoted Foods in the Mid-Atlantic Region.” Agricultural and Resource Economics Review 40(2011):33–47.Google Scholar
Purser, R., Park, C., and Montuori, A. “Limits to Anthropocentrism: Toward an Ecocentric Organization Paradigm?” Academy of Management Review 20(1995):1053–89.10.5465/AMR.1995.9512280035Google Scholar
Quian, Y., Follett, R., and Kimble, J. “Soil Organic Carbon Input from Urban Turfgrasses.” Soil Science Society of America Journal 74(2010):366–71.10.2136/sssaj2009.0075Google Scholar
Riordan, T., and Browning, S. “Buffalograss, Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt). Engelm.” Turf-grass Biology, Genetics, and Breeding. Casler, M. and Duncan, R., eds. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 2003.Google Scholar
Robbins, P., and Brikenholtz, T. “Turfgrass Revolution: Measuring the Expansion of the American Lawn.” Land Use Policy 20(2003):181–94.10.1016/S0264-8377(03)00006-1Google Scholar
Robbins, P., and Sharp, J. “The Lawn-Chemical Economy and Its Discontents.” Antipode 35(2003):955–79.10.1111/j.1467-8330.2003.00366.xGoogle Scholar
Ruemmele, B., Wipff, J., Brilman, L., and Hignight, K. “Fine-Leaved Festuca Species.” Turf-grass Biology, Genetics, and Breeding. Casler, M. and Duncan, R., eds. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 2003.Google Scholar
Ryan, M., and Skatun, D. “Modeling Non-Demanders in Choice Experiments.” Health Economics 13(2004):397–402.10.1002/hec.82115067675Google Scholar
Schlegelmilch, B., Bohlen, G., and Diamantopoulos, A. “The Link between Green Purchasing Decisions and Measures of Environmental Consciousness.” European Journal of Marketing 30(1996):35–55.10.1108/03090569610118740Google Scholar
State of Minnesota. 2010. Minnesota Statute 18C.60: Phosphorus Turf Fertilizer Use Restrictions. Office of the Revisor of Statues, State of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. Internet site: https:/www.revisor.rnn.gov/statutes/?id = 18C.60&year=2011 (Accessed March 26, 2012).Google Scholar
State of Wisconsin. 2011. Wisconsin Statute 94C.643: Restrictions on the Use and Sale of Fertilizer Containing Phosphorus. Legislative Reference Bureau, State of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Internet site: http://docs.legis.wi.gov/statutes/statutes/94/643 (Accessed March 26, 2012).Google Scholar
Straughan, R., and Roberts, J. “Environmental Segmentation Alternatives: A Look at Green Consumer Behavior in the New Millennium.” Journal of Consumer Marketing 16(1999):558–75.10.1108/07363769910297506Google Scholar
Train, K. Discrete Choice Methods with Simulation. 1st ed. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2003.Google Scholar
Watkins, E., Fei, S., Gardner, D., Stier, J., Bughrara, S., Li, D., Bigelow, C., Schleicher, L., Horgan, B., and Diesburg, K. “Low-Input Sustainable Turfgrass Species for the North-Central United States.” Applied Turf grass Science (2011): 1-11. Internet site: http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/ats/element/sum2.aspx?id=9393 (Accessed March 26, 2012).Google Scholar
Yue, C., Hall, C., Behe, B., Campbell, B., Dennis, J., and Lopez, R. “Are Consumers Willing to Pay More for Biodegradable Containers Than for Plastic Ones? Evidence from Hypothetical Conjoint Analysis and Non-hypothetical Experimental Auctions.” Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics 42(2010):757–72.Google Scholar
Zadegan, Y., Behe, B., and Gough, R. “Consumer Preferences for Native Plants in Montana Residential Landscapes and Perceptions for Naturalistic Designs.” Journal of Environmental Horticulture 26(2008):109–14.Google Scholar