What are Nutrient Film Technique Channels?

Nutrient Film Technique Channels, popularly known as NFT Channels are the best hydroponics system when it comes to vertical farming and growing leafy greens (Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard, Arugula), herbs, flowers, medicinal herbs, etc.

Hydroponics NFT channels are prevalent and resourceful systems. It is similar to Ebb tide and Flow tide in that the system uses a pump to deliver fertilized water to the grow tray and drain pipe to recycle the unused nutrient solution. In the NFT system, the nutrient solution is continuously streaming over the roots. These nutrient film technique channels a.k.a. NFT channels are made up of UV stabilized plastic and have a long life. Plant roots get nutrients from solution flow where the flow rate is fixed.

Is the hydroponics NFT channel the best hydroponic system?

Yes, the hydroponics NFT channel i.e. nutrient film technique channel is the system to grow leafy greens and herbs, appropriate to grow lightweight, fast-growing plants that can be picked quickly like microgreens, lettuces, exotic herbs, medicinal herbs, and many more.

NFT is not suitable for large taproot plants like carrots, radishes, etc. which need a lot of support as their roots need a different medium to keep the weight. This is the best growing media for commercial growers as it can be easily removed and cleaned. Higronics’ NFT are well-designed so that its unique feature of removable lids remain secure and it can be easily removed for cleaning. Plant roots get nutrients from the solution flow with a set interval of time. This NFT hydroponic channel is best for leafy vegetables like lettuce, herbs, etc. The flow rate is decided as per the type of plants.

How to choose a good hydroponic NFT channel system?

  • Look for an NFT channel & NFT pipes manufacturer
  • Select the NFT hydroponic pipes based on your requirement
  • Look at the essential aspects such as NFT channel design & NFT channel size
  • Buy NFT channel online
Hydroponics NFT Channel

Features of Hydroponic NFT Pipes

The NFT channel is made up of UPVC food graded material. And it is an openable lid. And it's veritably easy to handle. Commercial growers can consider this as it is made up of UV stabilized plastic. This gives NFT channels a long life. This makes NFT channels the best hydroponic growing media for commercial growers.

What are food-grade NFT channels made of?

Food-grade NFT channels are made of food-grade UPVC. Nutrient Film Technique channel is one of the most popular hydroponic growing systems that have a long life due to the UV stabilized plastic. Higronics’ NFT hydroponic pipes are designed so well so that lids remain secure and it is easy to clean.

How to Build an NFT System?

  • A tank to contain the nutrient solution.
  • Pump.
  • Small pipes to distribute water from the nutrient pump to the NFT growing channels.
  • NFT channel for the plants to grow in.
  • Net pots to hold plants and growing media (fast plug) to start seedlings in
  • Return system (pipe, channel) to guide the used nutrient solution back to the tank.

The Nutrient Film Strategy System uses a pump to take water to the channel and a drained pipe to recycle unused nutrient solutions. The nutrient film technique channel is supported on a bench or rack to allow water to flow in the direction of the return pipe. Plant roots of leafy greens & herbs are immersed into nutrient solutions in hydroponic growing NFTs. The surplus solution flows out and moves into another channel where it is circulated through the system again. The hanging roots come into contact with the nutrient solution in the water and absorb the nutrients from them. The nutrient solution helps water the plants rather than soaking the entire roots. The thin layer also helps the upper part of the roots stay dry and absorb the oxygen that’s available in the air.

FAQs

Pros of NFT Channels

The nft system is highly water-efficient. It is perfect for green Leafy vegetables and herbs.

Cons of NFT Channels

The NFT system is not an ideal system for people who are looking to grow large plants or bear fruits. There’s also a risk of spreading disease from plant to plant due to the recirculating systems. Furthermore, since the system retains no moisture, the plants may be damaged or killed from a lack of water supply in an instance of a power outage.