Hydroponics Made Easy: NFT

NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) is generally considered the simplest and cleanest hydroponic method. So whether you are planning to start with hydroponics, or you have so far tried other hydroponic methods of plant cultivation indoor, you should definitely 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 were to choose a hydroponic method for complete beginners at the same time, the answer would be precisely these three letters - NFT:

• NFT hydroponic systems work on the principle of a shallow stream (film) of water with dissolved nutrients, which constantly circulates and is in continuous contact with the plant roots.
• Nutrient solution is supplied in them by means of a pump from the reservoir to the start of the growing channel and, on the principle of circulation, flows back to the tank after being evenly distributed around the roots.
• It is precisely the constant access to nutrients and oxygen that, in practice, results in yields many times higher than those we are used to, for example, in soil substrates.

Healthy seedlings are the basis of success

When it comes to the actual preparation and use of an NFT hydroponic system, the first thing to consider is the choice of growing medium for raising seedlings. To make full use of the potential of NFT systems, you will need really healthy seedlings with a sufficiently developed root system for transplanting into the NFT system. When growing plants from seeds, it is first necessary to make sure that we have a suitable growing environment for the specific species. If the answer to this question is not a clear YES, it is better to let the seeds germinate in a propagator.

• So-called artificial substrates, in this case especially products made from rockwool (GRODAN), are the most commonly used growing medium for raising young plants for NFT systems. In addition to cubes, you can also use growing mats. For raising plant seedlings, rockwool is ideal as a growing medium, as it absorbs the necessary moisture excellently without at the same time retaining an excessive amount of nutrients. Even at 100% saturation with water, rockwool can still count on 20% aeration. You can read more about preparing rockwool in a separate article HERE.
• Coconut substrates have ideal properties for hydroponics similar to those we can observe in inorganic growing media (rockwool, etc.), and therefore you can use them without concern even when combined with NFT. Coconut retains even more water than rockwool. When used in NFT systems, part of the coconut fibres is gradually washed out and the organic matter tends to decompose. If you decide to combine NFT with a coconut substrate, we recommend a compressed coconut substrate (coconut bricks and mats), for which the same procedure applies as for the “artificial substrate” (see above). 

Working with an NFT system

You can now move on further in preparing the NFT system. However, first of all, do not forget to check the temperature and pH of the nutrient solution.

• Make sure the NFT growing setup is precisely sealed in all places. Water must not leak out of the system anywhere under any circumstances.
• Place a high-quality non-woven NFT fabric at the bottom of the growing channel, which helps to distribute nutrients evenly. We recommend letting this fabric slightly overlap at the point where the Previous article Next article