Hydroponics made easy: NFT

NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) is generally considered the simplest and cleanest hydroponic method. So whether you are about to start with hydroponics or you have tried other hydroponic cultivation methods for indoor, be sure to read more about NFT systems and their practical use.

Despite the fact that NFT irrigation systems are renowned among growers for their simplicity, they represent one of the “hydroponic keys” to fast-growing plants and attractive yields. And if we had to choose a hydroponic method for complete beginners, the answer would be these three letters – NFT:

• NFT hydroponic systems operate on the principle of a shallow stream (film) of water with dissolved nutrients, which continuously circulates and is in uninterrupted contact with the plant roots.
• Nutrient solution is pumped from a reservoir to the beginning of the growing channel and, by circulation, flows back into the reservoir after being evenly distributed around the roots.
• It is precisely the continuous access to nutrients and oxygen when using NFT in practice that results in yields multiple times higher than those we are used to, for example, in soil substrates.

Healthy seedlings are the foundation of success

When it comes to preparing and using an NFT hydroponic system, the first step is choosing a growing medium for seedling propagation. To fully exploit the potential of NFT systems, you will need truly healthy seedlings with a sufficiently developed root system for transplanting into the NFT system. When growing from seed, you should first ensure that you have a suitable growing environment for the specific species. If the answer to that question is not a clear YES, let the seeds germinate in a propagator instead.

• So-called artificial substrates, in this case especially products made from basalt wool (GRODAN), are the most commonly used growing medium for propagating young plants for NFT systems. In addition to cubes you can also use growing mats. For seedling propagation, rockwool is an ideal medium because it absorbs the necessary moisture very well without retaining excess nutrients. Even at 100% water saturation rockwool can still provide about 20% aeration. You can read more about preparing rockwool in a separate article.
• Coconut substrates have ideal properties for hydroponics similar to those observed in inorganic media (rockwool, etc.), and therefore can be used confidently in combination with NFT. Coconut retains even more water than rockwool. When used in NFT systems, part of the coconut fibers will gradually wash out and the organic matter tends to decompose. If you decide to combine NFT with a coconut substrate, we recommend compressed coconut substrate (coconut bricks and mats), which should be handled the same way as the artificial substrate (see above).

Working with an NFT system

You can now proceed further in preparing the NFT system. Above all, do not forget to check the temperature and the pH of the nutrient solution.

• Make sure the growing setup for NFT is precisely sealed at all points. Water must not leak from the system anywhere.
• Place a quality nonwoven NFT fabric on the bottom of the growing channel to help evenly distribute the nutrients. We recommend letting this fabric slightly overlap at the point where the drain returns to the reservoir.
• The ideal flow rate of the nutrient solution through the growing channel is between 400–1500 ml per minute.
• The slope of the growing channel is also important so that no so-called pools form on the tray.
• To eliminate the risk of algae formation, keep the growing channel covered. Another reason to cover the channel is to prevent light access, which is not good for root development.
• If you want to check the root system, never do so in direct light and always try to keep this time to an absolute minimum.
• If using an artificial or compressed coconut substrate (see above), the cube should be thoroughly root-bound by the plant's root system.
• Spacing between plants depends on the specific species. Feel free to consult us.
• If the plant roots vigorously grow out of the growing medium into the channel, you have practically won, and after about two days you can consider herbs successfully transplanted. Only after these two days do we begin applying hydroponic fertilizers.
• NFT is a very efficient method, so don't be surprised if you notice several-centimeter root growth in a single day.
• Indoor cultivation using NFT systems requires avoiding wide swings in pH outside the range 5.8–6.5. Especially when using a larger NFT system, we recommend an automatic device to maintain a constant pH.

In conclusion, here is a brief summary of the advantages that characterize NFT-type hydroponic systems:

• You can be sure that plants absorb an optimal amount of nutrients and their roots have unlimited access to oxygen.
• You don't have to fight weeds and you also minimize the risk of plant diseases including root rot.
• Continuous circulation of the nutrient solution also helps prevent common beginner mistakes such as overwatering or, conversely, drying out.
• The operation of NFT systems, such as the NFT Gro Tank GN 901, is accompanied by only minimal costs and energy consumption. You can assemble them quickly and they are equally intuitive to use.

To be completely objective, it is necessary to mention the negative consequences of a power outage. Try to prevent power failures by all available means.

If you are interested in the possibilities this hydroponic method offers even to complete beginners, do not hesitate to ask us anything via the known address info@higarden.cz. We will gladly advise you on choosing a specific NFT system or growing accessories.

We also recommend these products:

• NFT Gro Tank 205 (1 599 Kč)
• NFT Gro Tank GN 901 (4 399 Kč)
• PLANT!T Nonwoven fabric for NFT systems (390 Kč)

What to read next?

• How to prepare rockwool?
• SHOGUN: the best British fertilizers with an emphasis on research
• Growing kits or Indoor grower easily and quickly!