Troubleshooting
Plants wilt rapidly.
Check pump operation, blocked lines, channel slope, and reservoir level.
Channels overflow or back up.
Trim roots, clear outlets, and reduce flow rate if necessary.
Nutrient Film (NFT)
A hydroponic method where a thin, continuous film of nutrient solution flows along shallow channels, bathing the lower portion of plant roots while the upper.
Maintenance
- Check pump flow daily because roots can dry quickly if flow stops.
- Remove excess root mass from channels between crops.
- Keep channels clean and light-blocked to reduce algae.
Make It Yourself
- Install slightly sloped channels or gullies with holes for net pots or plant collars.
- Connect a reservoir and pump to feed nutrient solution to the high end of each channel.
- Return solution from the low end of the channel back to the reservoir.
- Maintain a shallow flow so roots are moist but not fully submerged.
Cost
- 60 - 400 NZD
Power Consumption
- 10 - 60 W
Variants
- Flat-bottom channel NFT: Uses rectangular channels or gullies for leafy greens and herbs.
- Pipe NFT: Uses round or square pipes; common for DIY systems but can be harder to clean and may clog with roots.
Cultivars
- Basil: excellent
- Spinach: excellent
- Rocket: excellent
- Watercress: excellent
- Tomato: poor