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    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.

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    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.

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    • 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 irrigation flows back into the reservoir.
    • The ideal speed at which the nutrient solution should flow through the growing channel is between 400 and 1,500 ml per minute.
    • The slope of the growing channel is also important so that so-called puddles do not form on the sheet. 
    • To eliminate the risk of algae, keep the growing channel covered. Another reason for covering the growing channel is to prevent access to light, 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 the absolute minimum necessary.
    • If we use an artificial or compressed coconut substrate (see above), the cube should be thoroughly colonised by the plant root system.
    • The distance between individual plants depends on the specific species. Do not hesitate to consult us.
    • If the roots of the plant are vigorously growing from the growing medium into the growing channel, you have practically won, and after an average of two days you can consider the herbs successfully transplanted. Only after these two days do we also begin applying hydroponic fertiliser.
    • NFT is a very effective method, so do not be surprised if you notice root growth of several centimetres in a single day.
    • Indoor cultivation of plants using NFT systems requires avoiding fluctuations in pH values outside the range of 5.8–6.5. Especially if you are using a larger NFT system, we recommend an automatic device for maintaining a constant pH value.

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    Finally, we offer you a brief summary of the advantages that characterise NFT-type hydroponic systems:

    • You can be sure that plants absorb the optimal amount of nutrients and their roots have unlimited access to oxygen.
    • You do not have to fight weeds and you also minimise the risk of plant diseases, including root rot.
    • Constant circulation of the nutrient solution also helps prevent common beginner mistakes in the form of overwatering or, conversely, drying out.
    • The operation of NFT systems, such as NFT Gro Tank GN 901, involves only minimal costs and energy efficiency. They are assembled in a short time and their use is just as intuitive.

    To be completely objective, it is also necessary to mention the negative consequences resulting from a possible power outage. You should therefore try by all available means to prevent a power failure.

    If you are interested in the possibilities offered by this hydroponic method even to complete beginners, do not hesitate to ask us anything via the well-known address info@higarden.eu. We will also be happy to advise you on choosing a specific NFT system or growing accessories.

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