Crop King CropKing NFT System Owner's manual

Brand: Crop King

Model: CropKing NFT System

Type: Owner's manual

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CropKing NFT 4-6

(10ft) 1/2” Hose

item HOS0500

Greenback Valve

item EMI1014

Variflo Valve

item EMI1015

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.

1/2" Hose

Ziptie the feed line to the frame

2015

NFT 4-6

Feed Tube

Punch Tool Emitter Nipple

1. 2. 3.

Install Here

Punch a hole for each channel into

the 1/2" hose using the punch tool Insert 1 Variflow valve into

the 1/2" hose.

Install the Greenback Valve onto the end

of the hose.

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.” Instead of depending on the soil to provide or hold

needed nutrients, fertilizers are completely dissolved in water in these systems and circulated past the plant

roots. In the most specific use of the word, hydroponics is carried out without a support media for the plants.

However, we will generally refer to hydroponics by the broader term of soilless crop production. Soilless

production is carried out with a variety of media to provide plant support including rockwool, perlite, coconut

coir, and peat. Regardless of what materials we are using, the main premise remains the same. Essentially we

are ‘cutting out the middle man’, which is that soil-water-plant interaction and providing all the plant needs

right in the nutrient solution. This controlled method of production means that the delivery of nutrients can

be tailored for optimum plant growth and productivity.

There are three key components that will enable you to successfully grow fresh produce in this soilless

system. In this instruction manual, we would like to present you with some important facts and key steps in

bringing together these three components- the growing system, the nutrient solution, and the plant itself.

Understanding the management of each will be important in producing a successful crop.

1. The Growing System- Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Materials

NFT is a solution culture system where the plant roots are directly bathed in flowing nutrient solution. The

NFT system is constructed of a steel or aluminum support system that holds rows of food-grade PVC channels.

There is a small stream of nutrient rich water (the film) continually flowing along the bottom of the channel.

This thin flow of solution (called a film) delivers the needed nutrients to the root of the plants while also

optimizing the oxygen available to the root zone. The CropKing NFT growing channels have removable top

caps for easy cleaning. These plastic top caps have specially sized holes punched for the plants at optimum

spacing for bibb or romaine lettuce heads to mature. Irrigation lines run from the nutrient tank and the

solution is delivered by a submersible

or extern

rates of nutrient solution in the 8 to 10 ounces per minute range are appropriate.

covered and fit directly into the drain line

nutrient solution and promoting

algae growth.

The nutrient solution is being

constantly

reservoir under the channel

allows for gravity return of the nutrient sol

the channels

. Because of the short duration

recirculated solution can be used for the NFT.

closed system also conserves the nutrient solution

is from transpiration from the plant

leave

Mixed l

ettuce growing in a CropKing channel in

The NFT method is typically u

sed for the production of small leaf

have a shorter growing season than tomato or peppers. Lettuce, herb

directly into 1” Grodan rockwool cubes or other cubes or plugs composed of po

(shredded husks). These small cubes provide

an excellent environment to start and grow the young plants. Rockwool is actually

heated to e

xtremely high temperatures. This high heat melts the rock

fibers which are shaped

into the rockwool cubes. Rockwool works well for hydroponics because

or extern

al pump

to each individual channel using a small feed line.

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

algae growth.

constantly

re-

circulated between the nutrient tank and the channel

allows for gravity return of the nutrient sol

ution

and it is then pumped back up to

. Because of the short duration

(6 to 8 weeks) of the crop

and the fact that it is vegetative

recirculated solution can be used for the NFT.

However constant monitoring is needed as discussed below

closed system also conserves the nutrient solution

by greatly reducing evaporation,

so most of the water loss

leave

ettuce growing in a CropKing channel in

NFT system.

sed for the production of small leaf

crops such as lettuce and herbs which

have a shorter growing season than tomato or peppers. Lettuce, herb

and other leafy crops are seeded

directly into 1” Grodan rockwool cubes or other cubes or plugs composed of po

lymers, peat and coconut coir

(shredded husks). These small cubes provide

consistent moisture for the

germinating seed

an excellent environment to start and grow the young plants. Rockwool is actually

basalt

xtremely high temperatures. This high heat melts the rock

and the molten material is used to form

into the rockwool cubes. Rockwool works well for hydroponics because

to each individual channel using a small feed line.

Flow

The ends of the channels are

light from contacting the

circulated between the nutrient tank and the channel

s. The

and it is then pumped back up to

and the fact that it is vegetative

, a

However constant monitoring is needed as discussed below

. The

so most of the water loss

NFT system.

crops such as lettuce and herbs which

and other leafy crops are seeded

lymers, peat and coconut coir

germinating seed

and also provides

basalt

rock that has been

and the molten material is used to form

into the rockwool cubes. Rockwool works well for hydroponics because

even when

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. Oasis cubes are composed of

plastic polymers, and are essentially foam blocks that retain high levels of both water and air while having

little impact on nutrients. Coconut coir and peat moss, media that are quite common in ornamental

greenhouse production, are also potentially valuable for hydroponic leafy crops. While they do provide

adequate moisture retention and aeration, they differ in some key areas from rockwool and Oasis. They do

have the ability to hold onto some nutrients (exchange capacity) and this can be an asset in buffering changes

in the nutrient solution. In small systems without a large volume of nutrient solution buffer, this resistance to

change in the media can provide a measure of protection to your young plants if your solution deviates from

ideal conditions.

2. The Nutrient Solution

A. Using Hydro-Gro Fertilizer to Prepare Nutrient Solutions

Hydro-Gro is a general purpose hydroponic soluble fertilizer that has been formulated for the needs of the

plant without taking into account your source water. If the source water has an electrical conductivity of less

than 0.3 mS/cm (300 µS/cm), Hydro-Gro can often be used satisfactorily for crop production. However, simply

evaluating your source water based on EC is an incomplete method because it only quantifies the total

conductivity of dissolved ions and does not describe which ions are contributing to that conductivity. It is

always best to have your source water analyzed for chemical composition. Do not use water that has been

treated by a water softener because the sodium and chloride levels will be higher than desired for plant

production.

The recipes that follow have been prepared as a guide for use of this premixed fertilizer. The Hydro-Gro dry

mix shipped to you can be used in one of two ways.

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.

Method 2) The Hydro-Gro, calcium nitrate, and potassium nitrate can be used as dry materials and added

directly to your source water to create a feed solution that is the strength to be delivered directly to your

plants.

Method 1: Preparing Hydro-Gro Stock Solutions from Dry Ingredients

Supplies needed:

- 1 lb of Hydro- Gro ( part #FER3021, FER3022)

- 1 lb of calcium nitrate (can be purchased from CropKing for proper purity)(FER3024, FER3025)

- Acid (pH down or dilute sulfuric acid)(HYD5000)

- Stock tank with a volume of 25-100 gallons

- Scale with 0.1 oz precision

- Concentrate jugs- 2 x 1 gallon jugs (recommended)

Preparing Concentrate Solutions

- Two 1 gallon jugs are used to prepare concentrate solutions consisting of Hydro-Gro (concentrate

A) and calcium nitrate (concentrate B) for a 1:100 dilution to reach feed strength (1 gallon of

concentrate solutions A and B will prepare 100 gallons of feed strength solution).

•

Add 13 oz of Hydro-Gro to empty 1 gallon jug, label this jug concentrate A

•

Fill jug to 1 gallon with warm water, mix until fertilizer is dissolved; it is best if the source water has

an electrical conductivity below 0.3 mS/cm. If the source water has a high EC, it can be more

difficult to provide all the needed nutrients to the plants.

•

Add 10 oz of calcium nitrate to empty 1 gallon jug, label this jug concentrate B

•

Fill jug to 1 gallon with water. Mix both solutions thoroughly making sure all fertilizer is dissolved.

Add enough acid to keep the pH of the concentrate between 5.5 and 6 pH. Now your two

concentrate solutions are prepared.

Concentrate A Concentrate B Target EC- mS/cm

Hydro

Gro

Calcium Nitrate

Warm/High Light Cool/ Low Light

Lettuce

13 oz

10 o

1.7

1.8

2.1

Preparing Feed Solution from Concentrate Solutions

•

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. Remember to not let

the two concentrates mix with each other until they are diluted in water to prevent any

fertilizer salts from precipitating out of solution.

•

Bring the EC up to the target range by adding additional small volumes of concentrate if needed

and measuring EC with your meter. When adjusting the nutrient solution, always add equal

quantities of Concentrate A and Concentrate B to increase the EC. Additional source water can

be added if the EC becomes higher than the target value.

Method 2: Preparing Hydro-Gro Feed Solutions from Dry Ingredients

Preparing Feed Solution from Dry Fertilizers

•

Begin with a 25-100 gallon feed tank of known volume, 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 presented in the table above and discussed below).

•

From the table below, add the appropriate quantity of Hydro-Gro, and Calcium Nitrate fertilizer

that corresponds with your tank volume. Mix each fertilizer well to assure that the fertilizer is

dissolved before adding the next fertilizer material. (1 ounce is approximately 2 tablespoons)

Feed

Tank

Solution

Volume (gallons) Hydro-Gro Calcium Nitrate

1.3 oz.

1.0 oz.

1.9 oz.

1.5 oz.

2.5 oz.

2.0 oz.

3.1 oz.

2.5 oz.

3.8 oz.

3.0 oz.

100

13 oz.

10 oz.

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. Use the lower EC in the

summertime and the higher EC in the wintertime because warm summer temperatures and high light can

increase the demand for water in the plant. Reducing the concentration of fertilizer in solution by lowering the

EC will make it easier for the plant to take up water.

• If the electrical conductivity level is lower than desired, add small amounts of both Hydro-

Gro and calcium nitrate concentrates in equal amounts and mix well until the EC reading rises

to the desired level.

• If the electrical conductivity level is higher than desired, add source water until it is brought

down to the optimum range. (Remember to adjust the pH of the solution after new source

water is added as described below.)

• Check the electrical conductivity every day, and make any adjustments needed to keep the

solution in proper ranges.

C. Monitoring and Adjusting the pH of the Nutrient Solution

The pH of the nutrient solution being fed to the plants should be in the 5.5 to 6.0 range to keep the

nutrients from becoming unavailable. If the pH rises too high, nutrients can precipitate to form other salts and

this reduces the availability for plants. Low pH can physically damage roots, so it is important to not let the pH

drop below approximately 5.0. To maintain the optimum pH range, test the pH of your source water using the

Bluelab Combo meter or pH test kit. If using a combo meter, be sure the meter has been properly calibrated

by using the standard solutions that are provided.

•

Most source water has a higher pH than desired which must be lowered using pH down solution also

provided with your growing kit. Be cautious when reducing the pH of your solution as reactions can

occur quickly. Remember that how quickly your water responds to pH management and how much pH

down it takes to lower the pH will depend on the composition of your source water.

•

Also keep in mind that when plants take up nutrients from solution, pH changes can occur. So, monitor

your pH daily to keep the solution in the correct range to assure that nutrients are available for plant

uptake.

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Crop King CropKing NFT System Owner's manual

Brand: Crop King

Model: CropKing NFT System

Type: Owner's manual

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Crop King CropKing NFT System Owner's manual

Crop King CropKing NFT System Owner's manual

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