Nutrients Film Technique (NFT) Flashcards
How are plants grown in this technique?
Plants are grown in a shallow stream of nutrient solution.
The solution is continually pumped around troughs and gullies.
Is there a solid rooting medium and how do the roots grow?
No, a mat of roots develop in the solution and the moist atmosphere above it.
How do the plants get their solution?
A pump is used to supply the troughs and gullies @ approx 4l per minute.
What are the troughs and gullies made from?
disposable black/white polythene
Why must there be an even slope for the gullies?
areas of deeper ater can stagnate and hinder root growth.
what gradient should the slop be?
1 in 100
What lines the bottom of the slope and why?
Capillary matting should line the bottom so there is a thin film along the trough.
Where does the nutrient solution come from and what should you look out for?
You can mix it on site, and make allowances for the quality of local water.
Why should you look out for quantites of micronutrients and give examples.
The quantity of micronutrients could reach a toxic level.
Zn (Zinc) and (B) Boron
How do you measure the nutrient level?
with a conductivity metre, and observe the plants.
What does a conductivity metre do?
Measures the salt concentration
