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Making an NFT Capillary Mat at Home

December 2, 2022 by superuser

The Hydroponic Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) method does not require the use of difficult or pricey materials. The reason why hydroponic gardeners use this well-liked technique is because the system effectively distributes water and nutrients to plants, which results in a higher crop yield overall.

The NFT method is simple to construct, and a capillary mat can be added to the system for a more successful outcome. The capillary mat is simple to make once you follow the instructions in this article, and the NFT system is readily available for purchase at reasonable prices from your neighborhood hobby shops.

What you need:

1. Plastic gutters
2. PVC pipe
3. Flat container with a few inches deep
4. Cheap plastic tote
5. Air pump
6. Water pump
7. Capillary mats

Method:

1. Although the NFT hydroponic growing method is one of the low maintenance varieties of hydroponic system, keep in mind that some of the NFT gardening techniques require expensive equipment while others don’t. In order to precisely calibrate the delivery of moisture and nutrients required for the plants that you are growing, expensive NFT methods typically use sophisticated pumps, thermometers, and timers. Regarding the low-cost NFT method, you can simply use manual water usage. Whatever method you choose, you should be knowledgeable and aware of the best option for your hydroponic gardens.

2. The fundamental idea behind the NFT method is the use of a very thin film of nutrient-rich moisture that gives the plants continuous access to it. The plant’s roots will have a lot easier access to the nutrients they need to grow because they are always available in water soluble form. Additionally, the continuous availability of nutrients results in higher plant yields, which is why this method is widely used.

3. Using a capillary mat will make hydroponic gardening easier and more consistent for beginners, so it is advisable if you are new to the practice. The capillary mat is used because it is typically permeable and absorbent, allowing it to transfer the moisture that is rich in nutrients right to your plants.

4. You must set up your homemade capillary mat at the bottom of the tray of your NFT hydroponic system. To maximize the overall nutrient value of your hydroponic fertilizer, use a capillary mat to precisely slow down the flow of water. If the proper material is being used, you should be able to have a significant amount of circulation as the system works. For your hydroponic system to produce results that you are happy with, the material should always have good absorption, durability, and drainage qualities.

5. The best and least expensive materials to use as capillary mats are old newspapers because they absorb water very well and deliver nutrients to the plants in the right amounts. Although it is a good material, there is a drawback such as the fact that it quickly reaches its maximum level of absorption and readily drains excesses. The roots of hydroponically grown plants must have access to oxygen in order to grow healthily; otherwise, they will suffocate.

6. Newspapers are a low-cost alternative that can be used to make homemade capillary mats, despite their lack of resilience when wet. For making capillary mats, which are quite effective at holding up the water so that it flows up a little bit, it is advised that you use at least 10 sheets of newspaper.

7. For your hydroponic system to function properly, place these newspaper sheets neatly at the bottom of the NFT tray so the plants can easily access nutrients. Additionally, newspaper materials offer a natural acidity that helps standardize the hydroponic nutrient solutions’ naturally occurring tendency toward alkalinity.

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