NFT - NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE
An Innovative Approach to Hydroponic Farming
The NFT system is one of the most efficient and widely used hydroponic cultivation techniques worldwide.
This method is particularly well-suited for growing leafy greens, such as lettuce, basil, and strawberries.
The NFT technique relies on a constant flow of a thin layer of water and nutrients—typically between 1 and 2 millimeters thick—that flows along slightly sloped channels.
The roots of the plants are in contact with this continuous flow, absorbing nutrients from below and receiving pure oxygen from the air above.
The adoption of the NFT system offers numerous benefits, including optimal water use, accelerated plant growth thanks to continuous access to nutrients and oxygen, and a reduction in the amount of space required compared to traditional cultivation techniques.
IDEAL CROPS
The ideal crops for the NFT system are those with a short growing cycle and a compact root system:
Salads and Lettuce: Varieties such as cappuccina, romaine, iceberg, and gentilina are among the top choices for NFT. Thanks to their extremely short harvest times, which range from 30 to 40 days, these plants guarantee a quick return on investment.
Aromatic Herbs: basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, and chives are particularly well-suited to this system. In addition to developing intense aromas, they benefit greatly from the constant flow of nutrients and water.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, Swiss chard, arugula, and kale are excellent choices for NFT cultivation. These vegetables grow quickly and produce high yields.
Strawberries: They work wonderfully in NFT channels. This setup makes harvesting easier and keeps the fruit clean and off the ground, away from soil moisture.
VANTAGGI
- Crescita accelerata: le radici sono costantemente a contatto sia con i nutrienti sia con l'ossigeno dell'aria, accelerando il metabolismo della pianta fino al 30% rispetto alla terra.
- Uniformità della produzione: poiché ogni singola pianta riceve esattamente la stessa quantità di acqua, ossigeno e nutrienti nello stesso istante, la crescita è perfettamente omogenea. Raccolglierai piante tutte della stessa dimensione.
- Risparmio idrico estremo: essendo un sistema a ciclo chiuso, l'acqua non si disperde nel terreno; si consuma solo quella effettivamente traspirata dalle piante (risparmio del 90-95%).
- Ispezione visiva immediata: le canaline permettono di sollevare i coperchi e controllare istantaneamente lo stato di salute delle radici, intercettando subito malattie o marciumi.
- Pulizia e igiene: l'assenza di terra elimina la maggior parte dei parassiti terricoli, riducendo quasi a zero la necessità di usare pesticidi chimici.
- Facilità di raccolta: gli impianti possono essere installati ad altezza uomo o in strutture verticali, eliminando la fatica fisica e ottimizzando lo spazio della serra.
AUTOMATED GUTTER SYSTEM
FOR HYDROPONIC CULTIVATION
The LUBING GreenTec AGS is an NFT gutter system specially developed for hydroponics, which enables the production of lettuce and leafy greens with optimal plant density.
Our focus is on the automation of small to medium-sized greenhouses.
The planting and harvesting area is located at the front of the system to increase the efficiency of production with minimal labor.
The trays are moved fully automatically between the two areas and the distance between the trays is adapted to the space required by the plants in the respective growth phase.
This enables us to achieve the highest possible plant density at every stage of growth.
In addition to the well-known advantages of hydroponics, such as better hygiene conditions, our AGS optimizes production in terms of quantity and quality.
Advantages of the Automatic Gutter System LUBING GreenTec
- Thanks to its modular design, the system can be adapted to requirements in terms of size and configuration of the gutter spacing.
- Adaptation of the hole contours in the gutter cover to the plugs.
- The web-based control system allows settings to be made via smartphone or computer at any time from any location.
- Fully automatic transfer of the gutters between the two tracks.
- Low maintenance as no belts are required.
- The AGS is easy to install with minimal tools.
- The design of the feet allows for easy height adjustment.
- An optional transport trolley can be installed, which can be equipped with a sprayer for treating plants.
Zone 1
The beginning of the grow cycle packs together grow channels (4in center to center)
to maximize plant space.
Zone 2
The middle of the grow cycle spaces channels at 6in center to center to allow the plants to
expand.
Zone 3
The end of the grow cycle spaces channels at 8in center to center to maximize foliage light coverage and plant weight.
Finished crop
Grow channels are brought to you on the harvest side of the system eliminating the need to carry channels throughout the house.
Gutter cover spacing
Covers have premade holes to correctly space and fit growing medium.
Actuation fingers
Easy to replace and minimal maintenance allow for set-it-and-forget-it operation.
Watering guides
Predrilled holes in the structure of the system allow for consistent water tube placement and management.
Harvesting
Removable top cover makes harvest a breeze.
Smart sensing
Sensors are placed on both transfer conveyors to ensure a successful transfer of growing
channel.
Linear actuators
IP66 rated and quiet operation, controlled by provided electrical system.
Slide ways
UHMW slide bearings eliminate a maintenance point and keep system operating smoothly.
Electronic control
IP66 rated enclosure and easy-to-use tablet give easy access to AGS controls.
Inserting the plugs
• Placing the plants with plugs in the gutters at the front.
• Start of production with narrow gutter spacing.
Gutter spacing
• The spacing of the gutters is increased in line with the growth.
• This is done automatically and can be set individually.
Irrigation and fertigation
• The plants are supplied optimal by the fertigation system.
• The gutters are filled via hoses from the aisle side.
Transfer unit
• The transfer unit is installed at the end to transport the channels to the other side.
• Fully automatic and safe transfer between the conveyor sections.
Easy maintenance access
• The transfer unit is split in the middle for easy access.
• The transfer is secured in such a way that there is no safety risk.
Trolley
• A trolley for maintenance and for transporting various items is optional.
• This can also be used as a base for a sprayer for treating the plants.
Harvesting
• Ideal access to the gutters also at the front of the conveyor line.
• Simple and ergonomically optimized harvesting from the gutters.
Controler
• Programmable control for individual settings rodent proof.
• Web-based access via smartphone, tablet or PC enables adjustments at any time.
Actuation fingers
• Unidirectional fingers engage with hydroponic gutters to index them throughout the growing process.
• Designed to be easily removed for serviceability and maintenance.
Slip joint
• Strategically placed slip joints allow the plants to spread apart as they grow.
• Creates space between plants to allow maximum light coverage and airflow for foliage.
• Customizable to specific crops.
Linear actuators
• Quiet, 24V linear actuators are used to index hydroponic gutters.
• These require no pneumatics and most systems can run off of standard 230V outlets.
Transfer conveyors
• Innovation that drives all seeding and harvesting to be performed at the front of the greenhouse.
• Moves plants from the seeding table to the harvesting table
Powered rollers
• Quiet, 24V, all-in-one powered rollers allow the transfer
conveyors to be reliable and low maintenance.
• Requires no external gearboxes or motors.
Trolley
• Optional add-on that allows the grower to access overhead components (lights, heaters, etc..) without needing to move the growing channels.
• Stores above the transfer section of the system.
Tablet control
• Interactive tablet facilitates control and monitoring of system.
• Easy operation via touch screen.
Modularity
• Components are designed to easily be scaled up or down to fit any size greenhouse.
• Modularity allows the system to maximize growing space inside the greenhouse.
Advantages of the Fertigation System
- Automatic adjustment of the desired pH value by adding acid.
- Automatic dosing of the two-component liquid fertilizer to maintain the required conductivity.
- High-quality, stainless steel components and plastics used.
- Web-based control system.
- Use of solenoid diaphragm pumps for precise dosing.
- Individual placement possible through wall mounting or floor stand.
TECHNICAL DATA
• Systems up to 10 m width and 50 m length per line can be realized on customer request, larger systems on request.
• Configurations for small to medium-sized greenhouses.
• Specific setting of parameters such as positioning and time intervals are possible at any time.
POWER SUPPLY AND CONTROL
• 1 x 230V/50Hz.
• Networking the central controller with field components via BUS system.
• Web-based control.
• Operation via smart-phone, tablet or computer possible.
• System diagnostics from LUBING possible as technical support.