What is an NFT system?
NFT, or Nutrient Film Technique, is a hydroponic method where plant roots are suspended above a stream of continuously flowing nutrient solution (nutrient film). This solution delivers all of the water and nutrients the plants need, and the open air allows for plenty of oxygen, providing everything you want for a healthy root zone.
In an NFT system PVC gullies or pipes are drilled with holes suitable to fit net pots. A reservoir fitted with a water transfer pump pushes the nutrient solution through piping up to the gullies, which are on a slight angle. This allows gravity to pull the water down the channel, flowing past and through the roots as it returns to the reservoir. The plants roots grow through the net pot and into the running nutrient rich water. This process is repeated continuously and is termed, “recirculating”.
NFT systems are used commercially for leafy greens/herbs and can be a perfect system for the home hobbyist.
What do I need to start an NFT system?
In a nutshell all you need is a gully channel (pvc pipe can be used, but it is best to use rectangular light treated plastic), small pots, a reservoir, which can be as simple as a bucket, a water pump, tubing, and an air pump. NFT systems really are very simple.
The below image shows a gully with pots and clay balls in it.
Why use the NFT system?
The NFT is a constant flow recirculating hydroponic system that is simple to use, affordable to create, and easy to customise. The roots are constantly exposed to fresh nutrient which promotes rapid growth.
NFT is relatively low maintenance without the need for timers, copious amounts of growing medium, regular watering, or nutrient top ups. A properly balanced reservoir could last one to two weeks. This depends on the type of plants and their nutrient requirements.
As with all hydroponic systems, regular monitoring of your water temperature as well as the pH and EC levels in the water is crucial to understanding how well the system will operate.
What are the disadvantages of the NFT system?
A NFT system must have the water pump running 24/7. If you have a power cut, or a pump failure, the roots can dry out quickly. This can damage your crops in a relatively short period of time.
Fruit bearing plants, and plants with large root zones, are potentially problematic. Roots can fill up the gully channel – causing restricted waterflow. While fruiting plants are heavy feeders, these plants generally get top heavy, and can topple over – requiring some form of support system to prevent damage to your crops.
In Summary
The NFT system is an effective way to grow your plants hydroponically whether you are an enthusiast or growing on a commercial scale. When using any hydroponics system there will be pros and cons but overall, the NFT is a low – maintenance, simple yet effective way of delivering nutrients directly to the plants roots. We recommend NFT systems for gardeners interested in leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, silver beat, kale, rhubarb, arugula, mustard greens, water cress, and many more. For more information come and chat in store to one of our knowledgeable staff.
