Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Rooftop Gardens • Disease Control • Nutrient Solution

Nutrient Film Technique

Term from Urban Farming industry explained for recruiters

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) is a modern method of growing plants without soil, commonly used in urban farming and indoor agriculture. It's a system where plants grow in shallow channels with a thin film of nutrient-rich water constantly flowing past their roots. Think of it like a very shallow river of plant food. Farmers and growers choose this method because it saves space, uses less water than traditional farming, and can be set up indoors or in urban environments. It's one type of hydroponic growing system, which means growing plants in water instead of soil. Other similar methods include Deep Water Culture or Aeroponics, but NFT is often preferred for leafy greens and herbs because it's relatively simple to maintain and can be built vertically to save space.

Examples in Resumes

Designed and managed 500-square-foot Nutrient Film Technique system for lettuce production

Maintained NFT systems producing 2,000 heads of lettuce monthly

Optimized Nutrient Film Technique growing channels to improve crop yields by 30%

Typical job title: "Hydroponic Growers"

Also try searching for:

Hydroponic Specialist Urban Farmer Controlled Environment Agriculture Specialist Indoor Farming Technician Vertical Farming Operator Agricultural Systems Manager Hydroponic Farm Manager

Where to Find Hydroponic Growers

Online Communities

Professional Networks

Industry Organizations

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a large-scale NFT system failure?

Expected Answer: A senior grower should discuss backup systems, emergency protocols, monitoring systems, and preventive maintenance schedules. They should mention water quality management, pump redundancy, and climate control backup plans.

Q: What factors do you consider when designing an NFT system for maximum efficiency?

Expected Answer: Should discuss channel slope, flow rates, spacing requirements, environmental controls, crop selection, and labor efficiency. Should also mention cost considerations and scalability.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you maintain proper nutrient levels in an NFT system?

Expected Answer: Should explain monitoring pH and EC levels, nutrient solution management, testing schedules, and adjustment procedures. Should mention signs of nutrient deficiencies and how to correct them.

Q: What are common issues in NFT systems and how do you prevent them?

Expected Answer: Should discuss root problems, pump failures, clogging issues, and temperature management. Should explain preventive maintenance and daily monitoring procedures.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic components of an NFT system?

Expected Answer: Should be able to identify growing channels, nutrient reservoir, pump system, and basic monitoring equipment. Should understand water flow principles and basic system maintenance.

Q: How do you clean and sanitize an NFT system?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic cleaning procedures, sanitization methods, and system maintenance between crop cycles. Should understand importance of preventing algae growth and maintaining clean channels.