Preface
List of Figures List of Tables
Ch. 1 Introduction to Hydroponics
Ø common scientific terms (photosynthesis, osmosis, pH, EC, Salinity, nutrient solution)
Ø benefits of minerals to vegetables Ø mechanical support mediums
Ø classification of hydroponics (drip system, water culture, aeroponics, wick system and NFT)
Ch. 2 Introduction of Nutrient Film Technique
Ø introduction
Ø advantages and disadvantages
Ø variety of crops that can be grown Ø practices of NFT and various crops worldwide
Ch. 3 Designing of Nutrient Film System
Ø chain reaction for creating a profitable NFT system (education, cost analysis, project planner, set up, trial and error, research for market scheme, sales, recognition, expansion)
Ch. 4 Nutrient Film Technique Greenhouse set-up
Ø detailed set up for small scale production with clear pictures Ø examples of cultivation NFT systems
Ch. 5 Formula for Nutrient Film Technique
Ø includes macro, micro and trace elements
Ø nutrient solution (composition, volume, flow rate, changes in time, aeration, pH, EC, transpirations)
Ch. 6 Climatic Conditions for Crop Production
Ø air temperature, solution temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, flow rate, salinity
Ch. 7 Management Practices
Ø problems encountered with detailed pictures and solution
Ch. 8 Business Plan Development
Ø business concept, aim, vision, goals, advantages, financial analysis, budget costing
Ch. 9 Summary of Nutrient Film Technique
References AppendixesIndex
About the Author: Stephanie Mohammed is both a staff and student at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad. Early in her career she began her journey by learning about the wonders of physics and chemistry from which she was able to build her own hydroponic system for experimentation at the age of 25. She has produced a publication on hydroponics, won a scientific award and obtained a grant for her work in this field.
Stephanie has had a great passion and craving for a better world and believes in "feeding the nation in any way you one can" whether through food or knowledge. She encourages everyone to contribute meaningfully in their best way possible and encourages people to grow within their budget in a green and healthy way for a sustainable future. She also advises people to conduct proper research before venturing into hydroponics and assures that it is very affordable and the harvest reaped from it is more promising.
