Chemical fertilizers boost earthworm growth and spinach germination rates.
The study looked at how different chemical fertilizers affected the growth of earthworms and the quality of their dung. They found that using 0.75 g·kg-1 of Ca(H2PO4)2, 0.75 g·kg-1 of K2SO4, and 0.50 g·kg-1 of KCl as additives had the best effects on earthworm growth. However, using too much of these additives can harm the earthworms. Over 2.0 g·kg-1 of Ca(H2PO4)2, 2.0 g·kg-1 of K2SO4, and 0.75 g·kg-1 of KCl can reduce the survival and breeding of earthworms. The dung of healthy earthworms can help spinach seeds germinate better and increase their germination rate.