PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE “NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE” CULTIVATION SYSTEM IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

The results obtained during these 4 hears of study are encouraging. Nevertheless, some problems must still be worked out.

The important increase in temperatures in the nutrient solution during summer brings about a premature ageing of the plants in service, and compromises at the present time the development of young plants for an autumn production.

The very frequent use of water with a high pH or of bad quality water often makes it very difficult to maintain in circulation a poorly salted solution containing all the nutritious ions.

The technical difficulties can be overcome. Therefore, the extension of this cultivation system will essentially depend on economical and human factors.