Nutrient Film Technique

Nutrient Film Technique Hydroponics

Many advantages are associated with using the NFT system. The medium used with NFT is usually nothing but air, which saves the gardener the expense of replacing the growing medium after every crop. However, because the medium is simply air the roots are susceptible to drying out very rapidly if the flow of nutrient solution is interrupted. Power outages and pump failures can be detrimental to a crop in the NFT system. Another advantage of the NFT systems also deals with the nutrient supply. There is a great reduction in the volume of nutrient solution needed for a quality crop. Also, the solution can be more easily heated during winter months to obtain optimal temperatures and cooled during hot summer months to avoid drying out or wilting. NFT systems have constant flow of nutrient solution making a timer for the submersible pump absolete. The nutrient solution is pumped into the growing tray and flows over the roots of the plants. After, it drains back into the reservoir.

Nft Greenhouse

Another area of concern with the NFT hydroponic system is the channels in which the roots are confined. The width must be adequate to avoid any damming up of the nutrients. Yields will be directly proportional to channel width; smaller widths equals lower yields. The base of the channel must be flat without curving because liquid will pool in the deepest part of the curve.

A popular plant grown in NFT systems is lettuce. Earlier systems used the NFT greenhouse with concrete floors in which narrow gullies were cast for the solution but over the years systems have become more intensive. The hydroponic systems have adjustable stands so optimum slope can be obtained for each stage of crop growth.

Nft Hydroponic System

Hydroponic lettuce is becoming more popular as consumers are expecting something beyond iceberg lettuce. Products grown in fields are often dirty and other problems make it cost more due to labor. Lettuce grown in a NFT hydroponic system avoids these problems. Lettuce can be rinsed and drained and basically ready to eat. Another valuable aspect of NFT lettuce is that the shelf life is increased greatly since the root system can be pulled out of the channel, trimmed, and shipped with the product. The "living lettuce" ensures that its quality will be maintained all through shipment.