by Angela Lundmark

NFT and LEDs

One of the most prominent problems experienced by home gardeners is over watering. It is considered the number one killer of house plants and becomes even more likely when plants are placed under LED grow lights that cause little evaporation because of their low heat output. A solution to this problem as well as greater efficiency can be found in the use of NFT (Nutrient Film Technique), in combination with LED lighting.

NFT is uniquely simple. It involves a shallow film of nutrient solution (nutrient & water) constantly re-circulating past the roots of plants. The technique may have been used as far back as 600 BC in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon but is more recently credited to Dr. Allan Cooper who authored the book “ABC of NFT” in 1979. His work has guided and inspired hydroponic enthusiasts for decades to continue to improve upon their methods.

Complete systems can likely be purchased through a local grow shop with channels that are specifically designed for NFT. Designs focus on preventing pooling of nutrients and therefore are preferred by commercial growers.  The commercial systems are ideal- but simple homemade systems can be constructed from items readily available at most hardware stores.  The basic list of ingredients for a system includes net pots, channels (gutter), a reservoir (large bucket), feeder lines, a pump, nutrients, pH/EC meters, and lighting.

NFT is very easy to operate and once it is running- the system waters and feeds itself. PH should be checked regularly (most plants prefer a pH of 5.5 to 6.5), reservoirs must be changed out periodically, and LEDs should be raised as the plants grow. Regardless of your expertise, by following these simple steps you can take advantage of the many benefits of an NFT/LED system.

NFT greatly reduces the time it will take for plants to reach maturity. Growers have a higher success rate in obtaining excellent yields in NFT than in the use of traditional methods. These yields could be due to a number of factors. The NFT system eliminates the wetting and drying cycle because roots never dry out. Other advantages include access to nutrients, absence of root diseases typical in soil grown plants, freedom from weeds, and an unlimited supply of oxygen because roots are in direct contact with the air. Water that is not used by the plants simply drains back into the reservoir.

For many high volume consumable crops, NFT/LED systems are the most efficient method of plant cultivation available- using only 1/10th of the water, one third of the space, a fraction of the minerals, and little or no waste to contaminate the environment. NFT/LED systems put us closer to our goal of sustainability by pairing a high efficiency plant growth system (NFT), with an electrically efficient and durable plant light source (LEDs).

Need help?  Angela Lundmark, CEO of LED Grow Master Global, provides free support and information to anyone looking for a more efficient system of growing. Visit www.led-grow-master.com for more information or dial them up toll free at 1-866-414-7244