When talk about the Nutrient Film Technique ( NFT ) , it is of the essence to value both its advantage and disadvantages . While NFT offers several benefit for growing leafy greens and herb like lettuce , it also pose some challenges that need to be consider .
1. Limited to Certain Crops
One of the basal disadvantage of NFT is that it is intimately suited for low - mature plant life , such as leafy greens and herb . While it is potential to grow fruit crops like strawberry , peppers , and tomato in NFT systems , they may not thrive as well as in other hydroponic system due to the shallow nutrient solution .
2. Risk of System Failure
Due to the continuous flow of nutritious solution in NFT organization , there is a high risk of system failure if the heart stops work or if there is a blockage in the tube . This can lead to rapid drying up of the plant , touch on their outgrowth and overall health .
3. Nutrient Imbalance
defend the correct rest of food in the solution in NFT systems can be challenging . Since the roots are constantly debunk to the nutrient film , any fluctuations in the nutrient levels can chop-chop move the plants , guide to nutrient want or toxicity .
4. Vulnerability to Temperature Changes
change in temperature can have a significant impact on NFT organization . gamy temperatures can cause the nutrient root to heat up , leading to take root hogwash and reduced atomic number 8 levels , while abject temperature can slow down nutrient ingestion and metabolic processes in the plants .
5. Root Drying Out
Unlike other hydroponic system where the roots are submerged in the nourishing solution , in NFT , the roots are exposed to the air . This can make them more susceptible to dry out out if there are any break in the flow of the nutrient film , pretend the overall health of the plant .
6. Prone to Algae Growth
alga increase is a common issue in NFT systems , particularly if the nourishing solution is exposed to light . Algae can compete with the plants for nutrients and may clog the tubing , affecting the flow of the nutritious picture show and have blockage in the system .
7. High Initial Setup Cost
Compared to some other hydroponic organisation , setting up an NFT organisation can be more expensive due to the need for specialised equipment such as pumps , tubing , and channels . This initial investment cost can be a roadblock for beginners bet to bulge out aquacultural gardening .
8. Risk of Disease Spread
Since the same nutrient solution is mobilise throughout the organisation in NFT , there is a risk of disease spread if one industrial plant becomes septic . If not notice and treated promptly , the disease can quickly spread to other plant in the system of rules , leading to harvest losses .
9. pH Fluctuations
asseverate the pH level of the alimental solution is crucial in NFT systems . fluctuation in pH can affect the uptake of nutrients by the plant and can lead to alimental want or toxicities . Regular monitoring and adjustment of the pH level are all important for the health of the plants .
10. Limited Root Support
Since the roots in NFT system are not anchored in a growing metier , they may not receive adequate support , particularly for large plants . This can affect the stableness of the plants and may lead to matter like solution overcrowding and nutrient uptake inefficiency .
11. Electrical Dependency
As NFT system bank on pump to circulate the nutritive solution , they are vulnerable to powerfulness outages or pump nonstarter . Without a backup superpower source , plants in NFT systems can quickly suffer from dehydration and nourishing deprivation , result to stunted growth and poor crop yield .
12. Monitoring and Maintenance Required
Due to the continuous flow of water in NFT system , steady monitoring and maintenance are substantive to ascertain that the system is serve correctly . Checking for clogs , nutrient dissymmetry , and system outflow on a frequent basis can be time - eat and may call for extra attention compared to other hydroponic systems .
Matt Gallagher
