NFT System Management

	Introduction 
     		Caution
            	Introduction to the NFT System
     		General Features of All systems

  
 	Design Essentials
		gullies in which the plants grow,
		collecting system  
		sump or reservoir 
		pumps and associated headworks piping
		fresh water supply
		nutrient stock solution tanks
		nutrient solution distribution system 

   
	A Trial NFT system
		Layout of the Trial System
		Water Supply
		Instrumentation
		Solution Heating
		Operation of the System
		The Learning Experience 

     	
	Propagating Plants Suitable for an NFT system
		Media
		Nutrition
		Pricking Out
		Pots to use
		A General Purpose Potting Mix 

   
  	 Start up Procedure
		Preplanting Rinse
		Planting out.
		Making up the initial NFT solution.
		Intermittent Flow
		Solution management with continuous flow
		Solution temperature 

       
  	Routine for System Quality Checks 
       		Morning checks when starting work
		Afternoon check before finishing work
		Once weekly detailed crop check 
		IPM checks 

       
  	Solution Management and Record Keeping
		Benefits of accurate records
		Information to collect
		Basic guidelines for solution nutrient levels for a tomato NFT crop

       
  	Making Stock Solutions
		The acid solution
		Equipment required
		Weighing and checking procedures. 
		Fertiliser quality for hydroponic solutions
		Dissolving the fertilisers
		Making the acid solution
 		The caustic potash solution

       
  	Clean Water Supplies for Hydroponics
		Treatment of Raw Water
		UV or Ozone possible set up
		Precautions & Discussion

       
  	Dumping Procedures
		The requirements for dumping
		Dumping procedure
		Refilling procedure
		Adjustments to the nutrient solution 
		Data for NFT sample advice notes

       
  	        Disease in Hydroponic Systems
		The nature of the diseases.
		Sources of infection in NFT systems
		Host-Disease Interaction
		Effects of fungicides on Pythium and Phytophthora
		Other control methods

       
  	Nutrient Uptake by Tomatoes Grown in a NFT System 



 

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