CropKing NFT 4-6
( 10f t )1/2”Hose i t em HOS0500 Var i f l oVal ve i t em EMI 1015 Gr eenbackVal ve i t em EMI 1014
1. Punch a hole for each channel into 2. the 1/2" hose using the punch tool Punch Tool Insert 1 Variflow valve into the 1/2" hose. Emitter Nipple 3. Install the Greenback Valve onto the end of the hose. Install Here Route The White Feed Tube Into The Top Cover Of The Channel ( 1 per channel ) and onto the valve, Be sure it seats all the way down, If you have leaks it might need pushed on further.
Growing and Operation Guidelines for Small-Scale CropKing NFT Systems Welcome to soilless agriculture! We at CropKing are excited that you have chosen to take a trip into the fabulous world of hydroponics with us. We want you to know that your success in your new vegetable venture is our highest priority and the central goal of this manual. The word hydroponics literally means “working water.
solution is delivered by a submersible or extern external pump to each individual channel using a small feed line. Flow rates of nutrient solution in the 8 to 10 ounces per minute range are appropriate. The ends of the channels are covered and fit directly into the drain line to maintain a closed system to prevent light from contacting the nutrient solution and promoting algae growth. The nutrient solution is being constantly re-circulated circulated between the nutrient tank and the channels.
saturated with water, it has a high level of aeration. Additionally, it interacts little with the nutrient solution so precise control over the solution that comes in contact with the roots is possible. A sheet of rockwool cubes that can be used to seed leafy crops for production in an NFT system. Other media are also commonly used in NFT leafy crop production.
Method 1) The Hydro-Gro and calcium nitrate can be used to prepare stock solutions, which can then be diluted to produce the feed solution that is delivered to the plants. This can be a more efficient method of making fertilizer as the concentrates will last for quite a while and will provide a consistent method of adjusting and maintaining your nutrient solution.
• • • • Begin with a 25-100 gallon feed tank, fill tank 75% full with water. Measure the EC of the clear water. Our target EC for lettuce is 1.4-2.1 mS/cm depending on the growing environment (as discussed below). For a 25 gallon feed tank add one quart of concentrate A and one quart of concentrate B; for a 100 gallon feed tank add one gallon of A and one gallon of concentrate B.
B. Monitoring and Adjusting the Electrical Conductivity The Bluelab Combo meter or the Myron EC meter is used to measure the electrical conductivity (EC) of the fertilizer solution. Essentially, it gives us a value that corresponds to the total quantity of nutrients in solution. We typically want to maintain the electrical conductivity in the 1.4 to 2.1 mS/cm range for lettuce and most herbs as shown in the above table. The EC range is dependent on the time of year.
D. Changing the Reservoir and Cleaning the System • Once every week to two weeks, the contents of the reservoir should be discarded to prevent imbalances in the ions in the nutrient solution. Plants do not use all nutrients at the same rate, so over time, the solution will contain more and more of the nutrients plants take up in smaller quantities. Additionally, other ions in your source water, such as sodium, will build up over time.
cube. We suggest that you seed an extra10-20% more seed than the number of plants you need for the system. This allows the transplanting of only the strongest seedlings. • Place the seeded pads into the nursery tray or a seedling tray with nutrient solution flowing through the tray. Starting the plants in a nursery tray will allow you to start new plants while the maturing plants are still in other channels in the system. This type of arrangement will allow you to continuously produce leafy vegetables.
C. Growing Conditions Temperature Minimums For best growth, night temperatures should be at least 55°F and day temperatures should be at least 65 to 68°F. Lettuce can be grown at cooler temperatures, but the growth rate will be slowed and your total production time will be increased. Temperature Maximums High temperatures can lead to bolting of the lettuce plants. The plant goes into the reproductive growth phase. It then becomes bitter and is not edible.
