Maximum Yield Modern Growing | Vol. 21 Issue 01 2019

“Beneficial microbes develop in NFT systems
just like in soil and soilless substrates.”
NFT systems are well-suited to herb production
with basil being the most commonly grown crop.
Nutrient management is also an area of potential problems
as it is possible for a rapidly growing crop to strip
out an essential element from the recirculating system
(often nitrogen or potassium) faster then it is being replenished
via stock solution additions. Use of nutrient solution
analysis is a common practice with commercial growers;
it allows rapid adjustment of the recirculating solution
as required so imbalances are prevented. Growth may
be slowed when NFT solutions start to get out of balance
and may go unnoticed until a severe and visible deficiency
becomes obvious, so being proactive with solution
monitoring and adjustment for larger growers is also
recommended. Smaller growers who don’t want to pay
for solution analysis testing can simply carry out regular
partial or complete solution changes to ensure all nutrient
elements remain in balance.
NFT is a great learning tool for students and inexperienced growers as it
allows the root system to be viewed as plants develop and allows for gaining
skills in nutrient control and running an efficient system. While NFT can seem
complicated with the equipment required, a basic system can be easy and quick
to set up with the added benefit of not requiring large volumes of substrate to be
regularly brought in and disposed of.
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Maximum Yield