N.F.T. Hydroponic System

N.F.T. hydroponic system is simple to build and easy to use once you have learnt a few basic techniques. It is similar to Ebb and Flow in that the system uses a pump to deliver a constant thin film of fertilized water to the grow tray and a drain pipe to recycle the unused nutrient solution.

What is the N.F.T. Hydroponic System?

N.F.T. or Nutrient Film Hydroponic System Technique is a simple method of soil-less cultivation and is popular with home hydroponic growers. The term “nutrient film” refers to having a constant shallow stream of nutrient solution passing over the roots.

N.F.T. Hydroponic System

How Does the N.F.T. Hydroponic System Work?

There are different designs but the technique is the same where a very low flow of nutrient water solution is pumped downward through a tube/channel allowing the bare roots of the plants to contact with the water and absorb the nutrients and oxygen they need to sustain rapid, healthy plant growth.

Plants need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, and their roots need to absorb oxygen and nutrients. And when their roots have greater access to oxygen and nutrients, plants grow faster.

Why Choose N.F.T. Hydroponic System?

  • The Nutrient Film Technique N.F.T. hydroponic system is simple and easy to build and easy to use.
  • Here are some of its biggest advantages:
  • Easy to build and maintain with little effort once basic techniques are learnt
  • Can easily be adapted to different spaces and plant requirements
  • Can be built relatively inexpensively with minimum tools
  • No need for growing medium (coco coir chips, perlite, and vermiculite)
  • Reduced need for aeration of nutrient solution in the reservoir, due to constant circulation
  • No fussing with timers or watering cycles (like the Ebb and Flow)
  • Uses less water and nutrients due to nutrient solution recycling

N.F.T. System Flow Rate, and Channel Slope

Two of the most common questions asked are:

  • How deep should the water be?
  • How fast should the water be flowing?

The slope of the channel controls how fast the water flows, (not the water pump).

Water Ratio

The slope of your N.F.T. tube/channel is typically a 1:30 to 1:40 ratio. That is for every 75cm to 100cm (30 to 40 inches) of horizontal length, 2.5cm (1 inch) of the drop is recommended. The water flow should only be a thin film of water running through the bottom of the tube/channel. 

We recommend when designing your N.F.T. hydroponic system, you design it so you can adjust the slope while the plants are still growing, because as the root systems get bigger, they may cause it to pool and dam up the water flow. If it’s adjustable you can tilt it more to compensate if needed. Sagging in the tube/channel should be avoided as the water will pool in these areas.

Water Flow Rate
The recommended flow rate for an N.F.T. hydroponic system is typically between 1 to 2 litres per minute (1/4 gallon to 1/2 gallon) for each grow tube/channel. Or between 60 to 120 litres (15 gallons to 30 gallons) per hour.

While the plants are just seedlings the recommended flow rate can be cut in half, and then increased as the plants get bigger. Flow rates much higher or lower than these have sometimes been associated with nutrient deficiencies. Also, nutrient deficiencies have sometimes been seen when growing tubes/channels are longer than 10 to 15 meters (30 to 40 feet).

If you keep the water flow low and let it run constantly, you won’t need an air pump, air stone, timers, or any special equipment like that.

What Plants Grow Best in an N.F.T. Hydroponic System

You can grow almost anything with most hydroponic systems, but what you should grow comes down to convenience and efficiency. 

With an N.F.T. hydroponic system, you should grow leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, bok choy, kale, baby greens, strawberries and herbs or any other smaller quick-growing plants. These plants thrive under constant irrigation.

If you want to grow fruits like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers etc. you will need to build an independent self-standing trellis to support the plants as these large plants will lack support in an N.F.T. system.

Can You Use an N.F.T. Hydroponic System-Indoors?

Yes, but you will need a lot of sunlight or use grow lights

Because most of us don’t have that much natural lighting indoors, the best course of action is to use a quality fluorescent or LED light.

With grow lights, I always recommend going for a full-spectrum light that emits both blue and red light.

Blue light promotes chlorophyll production and foliar growth while red light encourages blooming. 

While leafy greens can get by with just blue light, you will get the healthiest plants and have the most versatility with a full-spectrum bulb.

Pros and Cos of the N.F.T. Hydroponic System

The N.F.T. system can do almost anything, which is why it is so widely used, but there are a few limitations to be aware of. 

Pros

  • Very low water and nutrient consumption
  • Mostly passive system
  • Perfect for leafy vegetables
  • Inexpensive to build and maintain
  • Easy to inspect roots for a sign of disease – Due to the absence of growing medium
  • Environmentally friendly – Low risk of contaminating localized groundwater
  • Low cost to set-up
  • Easy to disinfect roots and hardware if required
  • Easy to maintain a uniform PH to plant roots
  • The ability to modify the flow rate of your growing tube/channel if built correctly

Cons

  • Not ideal for fruit-bearing or large plants
  • Recirculating systems run the risk of spreading diseases from plant to plant
  • The system is depending on electricity, with the pump running 24/7 or the roots will dry out
  • The tube/channel may become blocked by the roots of fast-growing plants
  • Pump failure can cause the plants to die in a few hours in hot weather
  • Saline water is not the best choice for the N.F.T. system because the salinity of the recirculating water will gradually decrease
  • The N.F.T. system is not suitable for growing large tap-root plants like carrots

Conclusion:

The N.F.T. hydroponic system is for someone starting their first system as it is easy to set up and operate and not expensive to make, or for those that are not handy with tools there are many places you can purchase an N.F.T. hydroponic system and all you need to do is assembly it.

With the N.F.T. hydroponic system, it is ideal for fast-growing plants, you can grow a wide variety of herbs, vegetables or edible flowers such as nasturtiums and pansies, which can be added to enrich salads and food presentations.

You can use this system for quick results and then plant new seedlings for future harvests. This will fulfil the dream of any home hobbyist with green space and a continuous supply of produce.

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