Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) is a hydroponic method where a thin, continuous stream of nutrient solution flows along the bottom of sloped channels over bare plant roots. The upper roots remain in humid air for oxygen while the lower roots absorb water and minerals from the flowing film.
Key Facts
- Shallow film of nutrient solution (2β3 mm deep) flows continuously through sloped channels
- Upper roots access atmospheric oxygen; lower roots absorb nutrients from the film
- Highly water-efficient β solution recirculates in a closed loop
- Best suited to fast-growing leafy crops and herbs
- Requires a reliable pump β power outages quickly stress roots
- Channel gradient of 1:30β1:40 (2β3 cm drop per metre) is critical for even flow