Complete Guide to Hydroponic Lettuce Farming (Kratky & NFT) with english subtitle | Nars Adriano

Nars Adriano introduces hydroponic farming, specifically focusing on lettuce cultivation. He shares his personal success, managing a 15-square-meter farm that yields 300 to 350 heads of lettuce, generating significant income. He also demonstrates how he expanded his farm vertically using a wall to produce almost 500 heads of lettuce.

The first step in hydroponic lettuce farming is sowing. This involves planting seeds not in soil, but in water enriched with nutrients. Key materials include seeds, coco peat (disinfected with hydrogen peroxide to prevent fungus and bacteria), seedling trays, seedling tubs, and a water sprayer. Disinfecting coco peat is crucial for high germination rates.

From day 1-4, seedlings are sprayed with water and exposed to sunlight (under a protected greenhouse). From day 4-6, bottom watering is introduced. On day 7, 50% strength water nutrients are added via bottom watering. This gradual approach allows seedlings to adapt to the nutrient solution.

Around day 12, when seedlings develop a third or fourth leaf, they are transplanted into net cups or styrofoam cups. Holes are cut into the cups for aeration and nutrient absorption. The coco peat containing the seedling is transferred to minimize root stress. For NFT systems, the cup is filled with coco peat, while for Kratky, less coco peat is used.

Hardening strengthens the plant and its roots to the growing medium. After transplanting, seedlings receive a 100% strength nutrient solution. Following a few days of acclimatization (around 12-15 days), the hardened seedlings are transferred to either a Kratky grow box or an NFT system.

The Kratky method is a simpler, 'set and forget' system where water with nutrients remains stagnant in a styrofoam box. The NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) system, or Semi-NFT in the speaker's case, involves continuous water circulation using a pump, pipes, and a reservoir. NFT is more expensive to set up but produces more lettuce. It requires monitoring water levels and using a timer to control water flow, especially during hot periods to prevent water from heating up and ensure oxygenation.

Pest control in hydroponics is managed by preventing insects from entering the farm (e.g., using nets) and using non-toxic solutions like hydrogen peroxide (5 mL/L) as a preventive spray. Maintaining water quality is crucial; the pH level should be between 5.5 and 6.0, and the PPM (parts per million) or TDS (total dissolved solids) should be between 550 and 840 to ensure proper nutrient absorption and prevent plant 'melting'.

The speaker markets his lettuce as 'Lettuce in a Cup,' selling it with roots intact to preserve freshness. He offers individual cups and 'boxes' of lettuce, often requiring a deposit for the boxes. He utilizes social media platforms like Facebook for advertising and encouraging sales, advising others to do the same by joining buy and sell groups.

The speaker details the initial investment for his 15-square-meter farm, totaling approximately 28,915 pesos. He estimates an income of 5,865 pesos per harvest cycle (300 heads at 25 pesos each, minus expenses for seeds, coco peat, cups, nutrients, electricity, and water). Based on these figures, the initial capital can be recovered in about 5 months, demonstrating the profitability of hydroponic lettuce farming.