Academic
Is NFT hydroponic system greatly affected by seasons? Yecai Xia Technology: Using technology to
作者: 时间: 2026-08-26
In traditional agriculture, seasonal changes directly determine the variety, crop rotation, and yield of planting. The law of 'spring planting and autumn harvest' has remained unchanged for thousands of years. However, the birth of facility agriculture is itself an attempt by humans to resist seasonal limitations.
NFT (Nutrient Liquid Membrane Technology) hydroponic system, as an efficient cultivation mode in facility agriculture, has the characteristics of short production cycle and strong environmental controllability. But does this mean that NFT systems can completely escape the influence of seasons? The answer is obviously not that simple.
The seasonal changes directly affect core environmental factors such as light, temperature, and humidity, and NFT systems, due to their "low buffering, high sensitivity" technical characteristics, respond more severely to seasonal changes than traditional soil planting and DFT deep flow systems. If not scientifically addressed, seasonal challenges such as low temperatures in winter, high temperatures in summer, and scarce rainy weather can lead to fluctuations in NFT system production, quality decline, and even system collapse.
As a member unit of the Facility Agriculture Association with 16 independent intellectual property rights and three major product lines of DFT/NFT/plant factories, LEAFYMAN Technology combines over 400 global project experiences to comprehensively analyze the impact of seasonal changes on NFT hydroponic systems and provide effective response strategies.
1、 The underlying reasons why NFT hydroponic systems are sensitive to seasonal changes
Why are NFT systems so sensitive to seasonal changes? This starts with its technical features:
The total amount of nutrient solution is extremely small: The NFT system only circulates with a liquid film of 1-2 millimeters, and the total storage capacity of nutrient solution is only 1/5 or even less of the DFT system. Therefore, liquid temperature is easily affected by temperature, with a tendency to lose temperature in winter and overheat in summer.
Half exposed state of roots: NFT roots are half in the liquid film and half in the air. The drastic changes in air temperature and humidity directly affect root vitality and disease occurrence.
Weak buffering capacity: The system does not have a large water body as a "thermal reservoir", and when the temperature suddenly changes, the rhizosphere environment will experience severe fluctuations within a few hours.
It is these characteristics that determine the design and management of NFT systems, and "seasonal factors" must be the primary consideration.
2、 Spring: From warm to cold, the key is to maintain stability
1. Spring climate characteristics
The temperature rises, but there is a large temperature difference between day and night, often resulting in a 'late spring cold'.
The light gradually increases, but there are more rainy days.
The air humidity is relatively high.
2. The main impact on NFT systems
Large fluctuations in liquid temperature: During the day, the liquid temperature may rise to 18-20 ℃, and at night it may drop sharply to 8-10 ℃, affecting root absorption.
Increased risk of disease: high humidity and temperature difference can easily induce gray mold and downy mildew.
Uneven growth: The large temperature difference between day and night may lead to alternating elongation or growth stagnation of leaves.
3. Yecai Xia Technology Response Strategy
Install nutrient solution heater: Set the liquid temperature to no less than 15 ℃ to prevent nighttime cold damage.
Strengthen ventilation and moisture removal: ventilate in the morning to reduce the humidity inside the greenhouse to below 75%.
Choose cold resistant varieties: For spring crops, priority should be given to cold resistant cream lettuce, spinach, Shanghai green, etc.
Adjustment of liquid supply strategy: Reduce the frequency of liquid supply at night to avoid prolonged soaking of roots in low temperature and high humidity environments.
3、 Summer: High temperature stress, emphasis on "reducing"
1. Summer climate characteristics
High temperatures and scorching heat, with temperatures often exceeding 35 ℃.
Strong light exposure, intense ultraviolet radiation.
May be accompanied by drought or rainstorm.
2. The main impact on NFT systems
Overheating of liquid temperature: The temperature of nutrient solution can easily exceed 28 ℃, causing a sharp decrease in dissolved oxygen and a high risk of root rot.
Accelerated root aging: High temperature accelerates root lignification and reduces absorption capacity.
High incidence of diseases: In high temperature and high humidity environments, root rot and soft rot are prone to outbreak.
Stagnation of growth: Leafy vegetables experience increased respiratory consumption at high temperatures, making them prone to "high-temperature disorders", thinning of leaves, and increased bitterness.
3. Yecai Xia Technology Response Strategy
Configuring a nutrient solution cooling unit: Controlling the liquid temperature below 20 ℃ is the "lifeline" for the success of NFT in summer.
Strengthen shading and ventilation: Use shading nets to reduce light intensity, and use wet curtain fans to force cooling.
Increase the frequency of liquid supply: During the day, a high-frequency strategy of "supplying liquid for 15 minutes/stopping for 5 minutes" is adopted, using flowing nutrient solution to remove rhizosphere heat.
Oxygenation is essential: If the dissolved oxygen is low at high temperatures, an oxygenation pump or a Venturi jet must be installed to ensure that the dissolved oxygen is ≥ 5mg/L.
Planting heat-resistant varieties: In summer, switch to heat-resistant water spinach, amaranth, and heat-resistant loose leaf lettuce.
4、 Autumn: The sky is high and the air is refreshing, the key is to "adjust"
1. Characteristics of autumn climate
The temperature is mild, and the temperature difference between day and night is gradually widening.
Adequate sunlight, crisp autumn air.
The air humidity is moderate.
2. Impact on NFT systems
Autumn is the 'golden season' for NFT hydroponics. Mild temperature, sufficient light, moderate humidity, almost all environmental parameters are within the ideal range. The growth rate, quality, and yield of crops are all at their best throughout the year.
3. Suggestions for Yecai Xia Technology
Seize the golden period and increase the number of replants: Utilize the advantage of autumn to plant varieties with fast growth rate and high economic value, such as cream lettuce, romaine lettuce, and purple leaf lettuce.
Appropriately reduce the frequency of liquid supply: When the temperature is suitable, the root system has a strong demand for oxygen, and a "15 minute liquid supply/10 minute stop" mode can be used to promote root development.
Preventing early frost: Northern regions need to pay attention to early frost warnings and prepare insulation measures in advance.
5、 Winter: Low temperature and insufficient sunlight, focus on "supplementation"
1. Winter climate characteristics
The temperature is low, often below -10 ℃ in the north.
Short illumination time and weak intensity.
The greenhouse is prone to condensation and has high humidity.
2. The main impact on NFT systems
Low liquid temperature: When the liquid temperature is below 12 ℃, the absorption of phosphorus and calcium by the roots is hindered, and growth stagnates.
Insufficient light: weak photosynthesis, thin and pale leaves, and decreased yield.
High disease pressure: In low temperature and high humidity environments, gray mold is prone to outbreak.
Rising energy consumption: Heating and supplementary lighting energy consumption have significantly increased, resulting in higher operating costs.
3. Yecai Xia Technology Response Strategy
Nutrient solution heating system: equipped with a heater to ensure that the liquid temperature is maintained at 15-18 ℃. This is the core of NFT operation in winter.
Artificial fill light: Use LED plant fill light to fill light for 4-6 hours per day, extending the light cycle to 14-16 hours.
Reduce humidity: While maintaining insulation, use internal circulation fans and dehumidifiers to control the humidity inside the greenhouse to below 65%.
Adjust the liquid supply strategy: reduce the frequency of liquid supply at night to prevent roots from soaking in low temperature and high humidity.
Choose cold resistant high-value varieties: plant ice vegetables, kale, and high value-added purple leafy vegetables in winter, and use off-season high prices to obtain high profits.
NFT (Nutrient Liquid Membrane Technology) hydroponic system, as an efficient cultivation mode in facility agriculture, has the characteristics of short production cycle and strong environmental controllability. But does this mean that NFT systems can completely escape the influence of seasons? The answer is obviously not that simple.
The seasonal changes directly affect core environmental factors such as light, temperature, and humidity, and NFT systems, due to their "low buffering, high sensitivity" technical characteristics, respond more severely to seasonal changes than traditional soil planting and DFT deep flow systems. If not scientifically addressed, seasonal challenges such as low temperatures in winter, high temperatures in summer, and scarce rainy weather can lead to fluctuations in NFT system production, quality decline, and even system collapse.
As a member unit of the Facility Agriculture Association with 16 independent intellectual property rights and three major product lines of DFT/NFT/plant factories, LEAFYMAN Technology combines over 400 global project experiences to comprehensively analyze the impact of seasonal changes on NFT hydroponic systems and provide effective response strategies.
1、 The underlying reasons why NFT hydroponic systems are sensitive to seasonal changes
Why are NFT systems so sensitive to seasonal changes? This starts with its technical features:
The total amount of nutrient solution is extremely small: The NFT system only circulates with a liquid film of 1-2 millimeters, and the total storage capacity of nutrient solution is only 1/5 or even less of the DFT system. Therefore, liquid temperature is easily affected by temperature, with a tendency to lose temperature in winter and overheat in summer.
Half exposed state of roots: NFT roots are half in the liquid film and half in the air. The drastic changes in air temperature and humidity directly affect root vitality and disease occurrence.
Weak buffering capacity: The system does not have a large water body as a "thermal reservoir", and when the temperature suddenly changes, the rhizosphere environment will experience severe fluctuations within a few hours.
It is these characteristics that determine the design and management of NFT systems, and "seasonal factors" must be the primary consideration.
2、 Spring: From warm to cold, the key is to maintain stability
1. Spring climate characteristics
The temperature rises, but there is a large temperature difference between day and night, often resulting in a 'late spring cold'.
The light gradually increases, but there are more rainy days.
The air humidity is relatively high.
2. The main impact on NFT systems
Large fluctuations in liquid temperature: During the day, the liquid temperature may rise to 18-20 ℃, and at night it may drop sharply to 8-10 ℃, affecting root absorption.
Increased risk of disease: high humidity and temperature difference can easily induce gray mold and downy mildew.
Uneven growth: The large temperature difference between day and night may lead to alternating elongation or growth stagnation of leaves.
3. Yecai Xia Technology Response Strategy
Install nutrient solution heater: Set the liquid temperature to no less than 15 ℃ to prevent nighttime cold damage.
Strengthen ventilation and moisture removal: ventilate in the morning to reduce the humidity inside the greenhouse to below 75%.
Choose cold resistant varieties: For spring crops, priority should be given to cold resistant cream lettuce, spinach, Shanghai green, etc.
Adjustment of liquid supply strategy: Reduce the frequency of liquid supply at night to avoid prolonged soaking of roots in low temperature and high humidity environments.
3、 Summer: High temperature stress, emphasis on "reducing"
1. Summer climate characteristics
High temperatures and scorching heat, with temperatures often exceeding 35 ℃.
Strong light exposure, intense ultraviolet radiation.
May be accompanied by drought or rainstorm.
2. The main impact on NFT systems
Overheating of liquid temperature: The temperature of nutrient solution can easily exceed 28 ℃, causing a sharp decrease in dissolved oxygen and a high risk of root rot.
Accelerated root aging: High temperature accelerates root lignification and reduces absorption capacity.
High incidence of diseases: In high temperature and high humidity environments, root rot and soft rot are prone to outbreak.
Stagnation of growth: Leafy vegetables experience increased respiratory consumption at high temperatures, making them prone to "high-temperature disorders", thinning of leaves, and increased bitterness.
3. Yecai Xia Technology Response Strategy
Configuring a nutrient solution cooling unit: Controlling the liquid temperature below 20 ℃ is the "lifeline" for the success of NFT in summer.
Strengthen shading and ventilation: Use shading nets to reduce light intensity, and use wet curtain fans to force cooling.
Increase the frequency of liquid supply: During the day, a high-frequency strategy of "supplying liquid for 15 minutes/stopping for 5 minutes" is adopted, using flowing nutrient solution to remove rhizosphere heat.
Oxygenation is essential: If the dissolved oxygen is low at high temperatures, an oxygenation pump or a Venturi jet must be installed to ensure that the dissolved oxygen is ≥ 5mg/L.
Planting heat-resistant varieties: In summer, switch to heat-resistant water spinach, amaranth, and heat-resistant loose leaf lettuce.
4、 Autumn: The sky is high and the air is refreshing, the key is to "adjust"
1. Characteristics of autumn climate
The temperature is mild, and the temperature difference between day and night is gradually widening.
Adequate sunlight, crisp autumn air.
The air humidity is moderate.
2. Impact on NFT systems
Autumn is the 'golden season' for NFT hydroponics. Mild temperature, sufficient light, moderate humidity, almost all environmental parameters are within the ideal range. The growth rate, quality, and yield of crops are all at their best throughout the year.
3. Suggestions for Yecai Xia Technology
Seize the golden period and increase the number of replants: Utilize the advantage of autumn to plant varieties with fast growth rate and high economic value, such as cream lettuce, romaine lettuce, and purple leaf lettuce.
Appropriately reduce the frequency of liquid supply: When the temperature is suitable, the root system has a strong demand for oxygen, and a "15 minute liquid supply/10 minute stop" mode can be used to promote root development.
Preventing early frost: Northern regions need to pay attention to early frost warnings and prepare insulation measures in advance.
5、 Winter: Low temperature and insufficient sunlight, focus on "supplementation"
1. Winter climate characteristics
The temperature is low, often below -10 ℃ in the north.
Short illumination time and weak intensity.
The greenhouse is prone to condensation and has high humidity.
2. The main impact on NFT systems
Low liquid temperature: When the liquid temperature is below 12 ℃, the absorption of phosphorus and calcium by the roots is hindered, and growth stagnates.
Insufficient light: weak photosynthesis, thin and pale leaves, and decreased yield.
High disease pressure: In low temperature and high humidity environments, gray mold is prone to outbreak.
Rising energy consumption: Heating and supplementary lighting energy consumption have significantly increased, resulting in higher operating costs.
3. Yecai Xia Technology Response Strategy
Nutrient solution heating system: equipped with a heater to ensure that the liquid temperature is maintained at 15-18 ℃. This is the core of NFT operation in winter.
Artificial fill light: Use LED plant fill light to fill light for 4-6 hours per day, extending the light cycle to 14-16 hours.
Reduce humidity: While maintaining insulation, use internal circulation fans and dehumidifiers to control the humidity inside the greenhouse to below 65%.
Adjust the liquid supply strategy: reduce the frequency of liquid supply at night to prevent roots from soaking in low temperature and high humidity.
Choose cold resistant high-value varieties: plant ice vegetables, kale, and high value-added purple leafy vegetables in winter, and use off-season high prices to obtain high profits.