Nutrient Film Technique

As a great invention in the late 1960s, the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) has greatly helped in the process of nurturing plants. It was Dr. Allan Cooper of the United Kingdom institute called Glasshouse Corps Research Institute, who discovered the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT).

The NFT uses a nutrient solution that is thin as a film, which flows through plastic channels. These plastic elements form the base in which the roots of the plants are contained. What’s great about NFT systems is that they don’t need any solid planting media. There is no soil being used and a root mat is used instead. It develops in the shallow stream where the nutrient solutions are circulated. That is why the nutrient film in the NFT standard is really important, since it is where the root system gets oxygen supply.

The Nutrient Film Technique hydroponics also maintains the right amount of oxygen the plants need. The standard NFT as described by its inventor, Dr. Cooper, should have a uniform gradient where the water is flowing, and it should not have any depression even for just a few millimeters. The NFT Hydroponic system should not have a swift inlet flow rate. The depth of the water in the Nutrient Film Technique should always be kept at the right level according to the gradient.

So what does the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) really do? What are the benefits of NFT Rockwool Hydroponic or NFT greenhouse? It is simple. The main purpose of NFT is to decrease volume of nutrient solution supplied to the plants. At the same time, it helps in maintaining optimal temperatures for better growth of the plants, and it also prevents undesirable plant responses.

NFT hydroponics benefits the growth of plants in many ways. If you are after superior taste, high quality produce, good appearance, and uniform goods, plus longer shelf life of your fruits or vegetables, then the NFT is what you need. Try tasting NFT strawberries or lettuces and you’ll notice the difference. Another advantage is that you don’t have to sterilize the growing media. The nutrition the plant receives can be easily controlled from the tanks used in NFT. Furthermore, you don’t need to cultivate, no weeds to remove and no insects and soil-borne diseases to worry about. If that’s not enough, NFT is also a great way to maximize space. You can position your plants closer to each other, plus the NFT plant trays or plant channels are moveable. Of course less water and fertilizer is needed, so less expenses.

If you want to know hydroponics techniques and information of NFT and more details, search the internet today!