Hydroponic

Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Aquaponics - Part 8: NFT

The NFT (nutrient film flow technique) is a recirculating hydroponic system. The plants are usually grown in Rock wool cubes or more rarely in Hydrocorrels on a special NFT table or in troughs. A thin film of nutrient solution constantly runs over the table and washes around the roots. The plants are thus constantly supplied with water and nutrients and large parts of them hang in the air and can absorb plenty of oxygen. This ensures an optimal nutrient-oxygen ratio, which is a problem with many other forms of cultivation. With NFT, all three important basic needs for healthy plant growth are satisfied at the same time, resulting in extremely vigorous growth and maximum yields. The disadvantage is the lack of water storage by the medium. What is desirable on the one hand, is a huge problem on the other hand, should the nutrient solution supply fail. Many growers have already lost all their plants because the pump failed.

nft system

Structure NFT

nft systemnft table

An NFT system consists of an NFT table and a storage tank. The nutrient solution is pumped to one side of the table, then runs as a thin film to the other side and from there back into the tank. A root fleece is laid out on the NFT table and the plants are placed on it. The fleece must then be covered light-proof with an anti-algae film. Under no circumstances should light fall on the root area. This would lead to algae infestation, which robs the plants of valuable nutrients and also makes them more susceptible to disease. The root fleece is only a few mm thick at the beginning, but in the course of growing, a root system several centimetres thick develops under good conditions. Care should be taken that the water film flows evenly over the table, no "puddles" or dry spots should form. The flow rate should also not be too high, a slope of the table of 2-3% has proved successful. Of course, the pH value and EC value must also be checked regularly with NFT. The nutrient solution should also be changed once a week and the system thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with chlorine or hydrogen peroxide solution after each cycle.

nftgrow

NFT is one of the most effective cultivation methods available. Compared to other systems, it is cheaper to purchase and also well suited for newcomers to hydroponics.

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