Nutrient film technique is a hydroponic technique that directs thin streams over solution over flower roots. This kind of design can be hard to set up but if done properly can produce quick and huge cultivation.
Nutrient film technique, or NFT, cultivation techniques provide plants with enough minerals through the solution always flowing past the root systems and allow them access to oxygen. As opposed to other hydroponic systems NFT gives crops with more air and so cultivation is rapider.
Nutrient film technique systems
- direct shallow streams of mineral water down channels that contain root systems
- thin stream delivers all the minerals herbs require for cultivation
- shallow streams ensure roots have exposure to oxygen
- one of the most effective systems for giving herbs nutrients and fresh oxygen
Flow Rate Important For Successful Cultivation
- flow rate is mostly dictated by the incline of the channels
- for most plants a mild slope which slowly transports water past the root systems is ideal
- inclines of 1:100 are ideal
- could be difficult to install designs so level that a slope of 1:100 is enough to stop accumulation of solution in certain spots
- home gardeners use more sever slopes of approximately 1:40
Amount of Solution in System Critical Design Factor
- amount of solution a system could hold and the size of the irrigation containers also has a substantial influence on crop size and timing
- channels that are too large or contain too many flowers may become depleted and flowers at the far end of the channel could suffer
- every NFT system should be tested to make sure it is not overly saturated
- basic rule is 1 liter of water for 60 seconds for each plant tank though this number could change depending on plants being cultivated and the channel shape