NFT Hydroponics: What It is?

NFT Hydroponics systems that use the nutrient film technique (NFT), or recirculation hydroponics, are known as NFTs.

As its name suggests, the nutrient film technology uses a low-flow irrigation system to feed the plants. A thin “film” of the nutritional solution is maintained by slowly pumping water into a flat channel.

What Is NFT’s Mechanism?

Because of this thin film of liquid, NFT is designed.

It is possible for root systems to obtain the nutrients they require without sacrificing aeration when they touch the film. To maximize yields, it is important to have the correct balance of nutrients and water flow in the system.

This is how it works…

Almost like a rain guttering on your house, along flat conduit is laid up at a small angle.

Net cups holding seedlings are placed in holes punched in the channel’s top.

A fertilizer solution is pumped from a reservoir to a channel, where it is dragged down by gravity and comes into contact with the roots of plants along the route.

The water returns to the reservoir from which it came at the other end of the channel.

An ebb and flow irrigation process are very similar to NFT except that the irrigation works continuously and just a thin film of rainwater is permitted to trickle through the channel. NFT Irrigation.

NFT hydroponics systems do not necessitate the use of air stones or air pumps.

The goal of NFT will be to keep the temperature level in the channel at a minimum so that the roots have plenty of room to take in oxygen.

It’s the void from inside the tube that does the trick.

I’ve noticed that many growers are overflowing their NFT channels, which prevents their plants from getting the oxygen they need to thrive. Air stones and air pumps are installed in the system to restore oxygen.

The nutrient film (NFT) loses its purpose when it is used with an overwhelming amount of water flow.

However, adding an air marble and air turbine isn’t going to ruin your system; it’s just an extra expense that may be avoided by adjusting the water flow.

That is the tough aspect of NFT—getting the flow rate and channel length just right. On this topic, see below.

Plants That Thrive In An Nft System Are As Follows:

Hydroponic systems allow you to produce nearly whatsoever, but what you really cultivate is another matter entirely. In the end, it’s all about saving time and money.

Leafy vegetables including salad, spinach, bok choy, broccoli, and herbs are commonly grown with NFT systems. Irrigation is essential to the success of these plants.

Certain fruiting plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, perform better when water is restricted.

As a result of the absence of growing material in an NFT system, larger plants will be unable to support themselves.

To grow a giant tomato in this setup, you’ll need some form of support structure to keep it upright and tethered.

What Is NFT Hydroponics And How Do You Get Started?

NFT systems can be built at home and are quite effective. For a low cost, this project’s supplies and equipment are easily accessible.

Building An Nft Hydroponic System: 

• Cut your 4-inch Pipes into the desired length. In terms of length, you may go as far back as you want, up to about 30 feet. This is where you’ll be broadcasting from.
• Make a 12-inch hold in one of the ends by drilling a 12-inch hole.
• Lastly, about eight inches apart, drill or cut a number of three-inch holes in the PVC pipe’s top. Here, you’ll plant your vegetables and flowers.
• On the other side of the slots you just made, drill a 1-inch hole in the center of your PVC pipe.
• The end caps are now attached.
• Drill two 12-inch holes in the lid of the plastic tote, one on each side. Pour the water pump into the tote and carry it with you.
• Cut two 6-inch portions from your scrap 2×4. A simple “V” cut into each one will suffice. Your PVC pipe will be held in place by these grooves. Make one of these parts slightly lower than the other by sanding or cutting it.
• This is the final step in determining the location of your NFT channel. Alternatively, you can set it down on a nearby table or bench if you want. In order to fix the PVC pipe in its grooves, set it on top of the two wooden pieces that you’ve already assembled.
• So that water flows into the drain, place the shorter plank of wood on the drain end.
• Using your 12-inch poly tubing, cut a piece that is long enough then to connect the motor to the end cap’s opening. One pipe should be inserted into the gasket, and the other end should be inserted into a hole on the storage lid and connected to the pump.
• Poly tubing is needed to link the PVC pipe’s little hole on the floor to the other one on the lid of your plastic tub.
• Insert the 3-inch slots in the Pipe with net cups filled with seedlings.
• Turn on the pump and add the nutrient solution with the NFT hydroponics.

Flow Rate, Slope, And Modifications: NFT Hydroponics Tips

• Your seedlings’ roots should barely touch the channel’s bottom.
• Allow only a thin layer of water from a pump to pass through into the floor of a water channel.
• As narrow as 1:100 is possible, but most NFT channels have a slope more than 1:30 of 1:40. The challenge to an NFT system’s slope is to have a gradual fall but avoid pooling.
• It doesn’t matter how much water you have in the channel, as long as it drains at the end.
• Flow rate is something to keep in mind—plants may experience nutritional deficiency if conduits are longer than 40 feet. In order to get their hands on nitrogen, plants closest to the base of the solution will suck it up, depriving those further down into the ocean of this vital ingredient.
• There will be a lack of healthy growth for plants toward this end of the system when this occurs.
• Each channel should be no more than 40 feet long to avoid this.
• Alternatively, you can support innovation as lengthy as you like and insert irrigation lines every 20 feet or so from various reservoirs.
• Reduce the water flow in each of your irrigation lines if you have more than one in your channel. A thin film of water is all that is required in your channel, not twice as much.

Pros And Cons Of NFT Hydroponics

Although nutrition film technology is frequently utilized, it is not capable of doing everything. Some restrictions must be kept in mind.

Pros

• Water-conserving
• primarily a passive system
• It’s ideal for leafy greens.

Cons

• Cheap to construct
• Large or fruit-bearing plants should avoid this pesticide.
• There in event of an outage, your plants may be harmed or killed by a lack of water if you use recirculating systems, which can spread disease from one plant to another.
• Using an NFT system indoors is possible.
• Using grow lights or placing your system in a location with enough natural light is the sole difference.
• Investing in a good CFL or LED light is the correct course of action while most of us don’t have much natural light in our homes.
• I usually advise using a full-spectrum grow light, which emits includes blue and red light, when using grow lights.