Three Mistakes to Avoid in an A-Frame Vertical Hydroponic System

A-Frame NFT Hydroponic System

A-frame NFT hydroponics is a type of hydroponic system where plants are grown on angled frames in a vertical arrangement. The frames are typically arranged in an "A" shape, hence the name A-frame. The plants are grown in channels on the angled surfaces of the frames, and a thin film of nutrient-rich water flows over the roots of the plants.

An A-frame NFT structure can have up to 20% more plants when compared with a horizontal NFT system. But if it is not implemented correctly, it can be less efficient when compared to growing in horizontal beds.

In this blog, we will discuss three common mistakes that people do when installing A-frame structures.

1. Height of A-Frame

Naturally, when the height of the A-frame is too high it becomes increasingly difficult for any person to perform tasks like transplanting, taking care of the sapling or harvesting the plants. As such keep the height of A-frames to a level that is easily accessible by the workers in your farm.

2. Base Width

You can indeed accommodate more plants in the same floor area by having a narrow base. But when the base is too narrow, the height of the A-frame increases, which poses operational difficulties. Also, an A-frame with a narrow base will have an increased plant density, which can limit the growth of the plants at the lowers levels due to increased competition for sunlight and space.

3. Growing Tall Plants

Sunlight & Photosynthesis

In A-frame structures, the top-level plants will cast a shadow on the lower plants. This reduces the amount of sunlight that lower plants receive, thereby reducing the amount of photosynthesis and hence plant's size and yield.

Plant Growing Direction

As the top-level plants cast a shadow on the lower-level plants, these lower-level plants tend to grow in the outward direction in search of sunlight, instead of growing straight naturally. This can affect the photosynthesis process, which could lead to stunted growth and reduced yield.

A-frames are best suitable for growing small-height plants like baby spinach, lettuces, parsley, rocket, celery, coriander, tot soi etc.

In conclusion, when you are setting up an A-frame NFT hydroponics system, do avoid these common mistakes in order to get the best output from you A-frame structures.