HYDROPONICS (NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE)

INTRODUCTION

Hydroponics
Hydroponics referred to a modern and efficient method of cultivating plants without the use of soil. Instead, plants were grown using nutrient-rich water solutions that provided all the essential minerals directly to the roots. This technique not only saved space but also used significantly less water compared to traditional farming, making it ideal for controlled environments and urban agriculture.

There were several types of hydroponic systems, each designed to optimize plant growth in different ways:

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
Deep Water Culture (DWC)
Flood and Drain System (Ebb and Flow)
Drip Irrigation System
Aeroponics
Vertical Hydroponics

At Vigyan Ashram, two primary hydroponic systems had been implemented:

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

The Nutrient Film Technique involved a continuous, shallow stream of nutrient-rich water flowing through sloped channels. The bare roots of the plants were suspended within these channels, allowing them to absorb nutrients efficiently. This constant flow created a thin “film” of water that ensured the roots received both oxygen and nutrients simultaneously. The system was recirculating, making it water-efficient and ideal for leafy greens and herbs.

Deep Water Culture (DWC)

Also known as the floating raft system, the Deep Water Culture method utilized long, water-filled canals with a depth of approximately 20 cm. plants were placed in net pots fitted into holes in these rafts. The roots were submerged directly in the oxygenated nutrient solution, promoting rapid and healthy growth. This method was particularly effective for growing lettuce and other fast-growing vegetables.

Need of project:

1. Land Shortage: Urbanization is reducing available farmland. Hydroponics allows food to be grown vertically in small spaces—even indoors—making it perfect for cities.

2. Water Crisis: Traditional farming wastes a lot of water. Hydroponics uses much less by recycling nutrient-rich water, which is crucial in drought-prone or water-scarce regions.

3. Climate Challenges: Floods, droughts, and unpredictable weather are making traditional farming unreliable. Hydroponics is done in controlled environments, so it’s not affected by external climate conditions

4. Faster & Higher Yield: Hydroponic systems help plants grow faster and produce more, which is important to meet global food demand.

5. Food Security: In places with poor soil or harsh climates, hydroponics makes it possible to grow fresh vegetables and herbs locally, reducing dependency on imports.

6. Sustainable Living: With more people turning to eco-friendly lifestyles, hydroponics supports sustainable food production, especially in urban homes.

Objectives :

To evaluate the nutrient uptake capacity of lettuce plants by calculating,

EC
Flow of water
Dissolved oxygen
Synergistic effect
Nutrient antagonism
pH

This involves how lettuce absorbs various nutrients under controlled conditions, providing insights into optimizing growth and improving nutrient management strategies.

2. To design hydroponics with low cost effective system.

3. To understand nutrient deficiencies in hydroponics and how to identify and correct them.

METHODOLODY

1. To evaluate the impact of various fertilizers on the plant growth, an experiment can be designed where different fertilizers are applied in separately. This approach allows for the assessment of how each fertilizer influences plant development under controlled conditions.

2. By tracking parameters such as plant height, root height by using scale and weight by using digital weighing balance, it becomes possible to evaluate the effectiveness of each fertilizer and determine which one promotes better growth for each type of plant.

26/03/2025

We explored hydroponics and its various techniques. We then calculated the dimensions of the fertilizer tank required to determine its capacity and the quantity of water it would hold.

Total tank capacity=500 lit

Tank Available Water= 142.31 lit

We required 200 lit of water so added the 57.61 lit of water in tank A

One tank served as the control (tank A), where only chemical fertilizer was applied. The other tank was used for the trial (tank B), in which both chemical fertilizer and seaweed liquid were applied. This setup allowed for a comparison of the effects of the seaweed liquid in addition to the chemical fertilizer.

We required to added 65.9 lit of water in tank B.

28/03/2025

We examined the difference between Deep Water Culture (DWC) and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), in hydroponic systems.

Deep Water Culture (DWC):

DWC is a hydroponic method where plant roots are fully submerged in a nutrient-rich solution. Key characteristics include:

Root Submersion: Plant roots are entirely immersed in the nutrient solution, ensuring continuous access to water and nutrients.
Oxygenation: To prevent root suffocation, the solution is aerated using air pumps or diffusers, delivering oxygen directly to the roots.
System Simplicity: DWC is straightforward to set up and maintain, requiring a reservoir, air pump, and net pots to support the plants.
Plant Suitability: Ideal for various plants, including leafy greens and larger fruiting plants, due to the constant availability of nutrients and oxygen.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT):

NFT involves a thin, continuous flow of nutrient solution over plant roots, providing nutrients and oxygen. Key features include:

Nutrient Flow: A shallow stream of nutrient solution circulates over the roots, ensuring they receive necessary nutrients while being partially exposed to air.
System Components: Typically consists of sloped channels, a reservoir, and a pump to circulate the nutrient solution.
Water and Nutrient Efficiency: The continuous flow minimizes water and nutrient wastage, promoting efficiency.
Plant Suitability: Best suited for small plants with shallow root systems, such as lettuce and herbs.

Key Differences:

Root Environment: DWC provides a fully submerged root system, while NFT offers a shallow nutrient film with partial root exposure to air.
System Dependency: DWC relies on aeration for oxygen delivery, whereas NFT depends on continuous pump operation to circulate the nutrient solution.
Plant Compatibility: DWC supports a broader range of plants, including larger species, due to its stable nutrient and oxygen supply.

We also planted spinach in both Tank A and Tank B. In each tank, we planted 30 spinach plants, making a total of 60 plants. The planting was done carefully. The net cup and coco coir was used for plantation of spinach.

29/03/2025

We added an equal amount of fertilizer to both tanks to ensure uniform nutrient availability for the plants. The fertilizer was measured carefully using a digital scale to maintain consistency in concentration. After mixing, the solutions in both tanks were thoroughly stirred to ensure even distribution of nutrients before being supplied to the plants.

Chemical fertilizer dosing

Urea = 7.400 gm
Calcium Nitrate =90 gm
13:00:45 = 77 gm
EDTA Magnesium = 125 gm
00:52:34 = 12 gm
Micronutrient =133 gm

30/03/2025

We measured the electrical conductivity (EC) and pH of the nutrient solution used for the plants. After recording these values, we proceeded to assess various growth parameters of the plants, including root length, height, and weight . The weight of the plants was determined by carefully uprooting them, removing excess moisture, and using a digital balance to obtain accurate measurements. These observations helped us evaluate the influence of nutrient conditions on plant development.

pH of tank A= 7.75

pH of tank B = 7.81

EC of tank A =1857

EC of tank B = 1857

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vdhNR58SrOovoDO2pfUE9YoDR1ut5Q3aW6iwfZ2cgqs/edit?usp=sharing

02/03/2025

We recorded the growth data of the lettuce plants. We measured the height of each plant using a scale from the base to the topmost leaf to ensure accuracy. Additionally, we assessed the fresh weight of the plants by carefully uprooting them, gently removing excess soil and moisture, and weighing them using a digital balance. These measurements were documented to monitor the overall growth .

TANK A

EC = 1965

pH = 8.16

TANK B

EC = 1965

pH = 8.02

03/04/2025

We filled the gaps in the deep water culture system because the presence of those gaps had led to increased algae growth. The uncovered sections of the water surface allowed light to penetrate, which promoted the algae. By sealing the gaps, we aimed to limit light exposure and suppress further algal development.

04/04/2025

We also record the data of spinach plant its weight by using weighing balance , root height and vegetation growth using scale .

TANK A

EC = 1997

pH = 7.74

TANK B

EC = 1997

pH = 7.41

05/04/2025

07/04/2025

we also calculated the height of spinach plant , weight of spinach plant and root height of spinach plant .

After that we proceeded to fill the fertilizer tank with 200 liters of clean water. Before adding the water, we measured and recorded the electrical conductivity (EC) and pH values in both the fertilizer tank. Once the water was added, we rechecked the EC and pH to monitor any changes and ensure the nutrient balance remained within the optimal range for plant growth.

After that we carried out the harvesting of lettuce from Tank A. Each head of lettuce was weighed carefully to determine the fresh yield. We compared the measured weight with the expected yield to the losses.

EC and pH of water before added the water

TANK A

EC = 2325 pH= 7.85

TANK B

EC = 2325 pH= 7.50

EC and pH of water after added the water

TANK A

EC = 1462 pH = 8.04

TANK B

EC = 1620 pH = 7.94

08/04/2025

we carried out the harvesting of lettuce from Tank B. Each head of lettuce was weighed carefully to determine the fresh yield. We compared the measured weight with the expected yield to the losses.

The differences in the weights of the plants grown in Tank A and Tank B were calculated.

09/04/2025

we recorded the growth data of the lettuce plants. We measured the height of each plant using a scale from the base to the topmost leaf to ensure accuracy. Additionally, we assessed the fresh weight of the plants by carefully uprooting them, gently removing excess soil and moisture, and weighing them using a digital balance. These measurements were documented to monitor the overall growth.

we also calculated the height of spinach plant , weight of spinach plant and root height of spinach plant .

I also made the graph of recorded data of the lettuce plant.

1. Weight of plants grown in A tank vs Weight of plants grown in B tank.

2. Height of plants grown in the A tank vs Height of plant grown in the B tank.

3. Roots of plants grown in the tank A vs Root of plants grown in tank B.

11/04/2025

On that day, I calculated the t-test to determine the difference in plant growth between Tank A and Tank B. I used the recorded data to compare their average weights and analyzed whether the difference was statistically not significant.

12/04/2025

A Google Meet call was conducted by Akshay Jadhav Sir and Ranjeet Sir, during which they discussed the schedule and composition for the next dose of fertilizer.

We also calculated the height of spinach plant , weight of spinach plant and root height of spinach plant .

TANK A

EC =1388

pH =8.38

TANK B

EC =1153

pH =8.45

13/04/2025

The fertilizer was added to 100 liters of water, ensuring it was thoroughly mixed to achieve an even distribution. We added an equal amount of fertilizer to both tanks to ensure uniform nutrient availability for the plants. The fertilizer was measured carefully using a digital scale to maintain consistency in concentration. After mixing, the solutions in both tanks were thoroughly stirred to ensure even distribution of nutrients before being supplied to the plants.

Urea = 3700 gm

Calcium Nitrate =45 gm

13:00:45 = 38.5 gm

EDTA Magnesium = 62.5 gm

00:52:34 = 6 gm

Micronutrient = 66.514/04/2025

We had our weekly review meeting with Abhijeet Sir, during which we discussed the progress of ongoing tasks, addressed any challenges faced by us.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vdhNR58SrOovoDO2pfUE9YoDR1ut5Q3aW6iwfZ2cgqs/edit?usp=sharing

14/03/2025

15/04/2025

We conducted a series of measurements to evaluate the growth characteristics of spinach plants. Initially, we recorded key growth parameters of the spinach plants, including the total plant weight, plant height, root length. The weights were measured using a digital weighing balance to ensure accuracy.

We measured the electrical conductivity (EC) and pH of both tanks before the addition of fertilizer. After adding the respective fertilizers to each tank, we remeasured the EC and pH levels to observe any changes. The differences in EC and pH values before and after fertilization were then calculated to determine the impact of the added nutrients on the solution’s composition.

TANK A

EC = 1494 pH = 8.14

TANK B

EC = 1434 pH = 7.98

16/04/2025

17/04/2025

we carried out the harvesting of lettuce from Tank A. Each head of lettuce was weighed carefully to determine the fresh yield. We compared the measured weight with the expected yield to the losses.

18/04/2025

we carried out the harvesting of lettuce from Tank B. Each head of lettuce was weighed carefully to determine the fresh yield. We compared the measured weight with the expected yield to the losses.