Channel Systems are commonly referred to as Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) which is a very popular water culture system throughout the world today. Very simply, NFT is a sloped plastic channel with planting holes on top. Nutrient water is fed by a dripper into the high end of the channel, creating a thin film that flows past the roots, then drains out the lower end of the channel into a storage tank. NFT is a closed hydroponics system; therefore, nutrients and water are continually recycled, preserving our natural resources and the environment.

There are several NFT channel designs to choose from. Labor, crop longevity, plant variety, and financial input are all factors in choosing the right channel for your farm.

NFT systems are traditionally utilized for small crops such as gourmet lettuces, leafy vegetables, and herbs. With today’s environmental concerns and water shortages in many areas, larger NFT channels have been developed for vine crops such as tomato, cucumber, pepper, eggplant, melons, and gourds.

Closed systems like NFT are historically prone to higher nutrient solution temperatures. They can also allow plant diseases to spread rapidly throughout an entire crop. With the addition of FUTURE GROWING technologies, we can virtually eliminate root diseases by using high efficiency water chillers, beneficial microorganisms, and our UV (Ultraviolet) or Ozone sterilization systems.

We do not recommend hydro-organic production for this system because minerals and sludge build up inside drip emitters and irrigation lines.

In this area, you will learn about the basic concepts and technologies for Channel Systems. After looking over this information, don’t forget to look at some of the other growing techniques. Once you have finished, please e-mail us at CommericalFarms@FutureGrowing.com and let us know what type of growing & crops interest you.  From there, our Commercial Team will work with you to custom design a Greenhouse to fit your budget, provide training for the system and crops you select, and turn your growing dreams into a profitable reality.

Lettuce and herb seedlings are started in Rockwool, Oasis, & soil-less plugs. Seedlings are grown for 2 to 3 weeks and then placed directly into the NFT channel.

Nutrient water is fed by a dripper into the high end of the channel, creating a thin film that flows past the roots then drains out the lower end of the channel into a storage tank. The storage tank utilizes technology that automatically regulates the temperature, solution concentration, pH, and oxygen levels and then returns the recharged nutrient water to the plants.

NFT systems are traditionally utilized for small crops such as gourmet lettuces, leafy vegetables, and herbs.

Hydroponic NFT lettuce and herbs are packaged creatively as premium living produce. The plants are very clean, nutritious, and generally pesticide free. Lettuce and herbs can be packaged in specially designed plastic clam shells or plastic bags with a rubber band at the base of the plant, which seals moisture in the root area.

With today’s environmental concerns and water shortages in many areas, larger NFT channels have been developed for vine crops such as tomato, cucumber, pepper, eggplant, melons, and gourds.

Closed systems like NFT are historically prone to higher nutrient solution temperatures. They can also allow plant diseases to spread rapidly throughout an entire crop, especially with long term, disease-susceptible vine crops. With the addition of FUTURE GROWING technologies, we can virtually eliminate root diseases with the use of high efficiency water chillers, beneficial microorganisms, and our UV (Ultraviolet) or Ozone sterilization systems.

        Cucumber

           Tomato

After you have had a chance to visit this area don’t forget to look at some of the other growing techniques. Once you have finished please e-mail us at CommericalFarms@FutureGrowing.com and let us know what type of growing & crops interest you.  From there, our Commercial Team will work with you to custom design a Greenhouse to fit your budget, provide training for the system and crops you select, and turn your growing dreams into a profitable reality.