Case Study: Successful NFT Hydroponic Lettuce Project in Southeast Asia

Background

Xiamen Wellgain Greenhouse Engineering Co., Ltd. recently partnered with a leading urban farming initiative in Southeast Asia to implement a state-of-the-art NFT hydroponic growing system for lettuce production. The goal was to optimize yield, reduce water usage, and establish a scalable model for year‑round cultivation.

Challenge

Despite favorable climatic conditions, traditional soil‑based agriculture in the region was facing:

• Variable yields due to pests and fluctuating temperatures

• High water consumption and nutrient runoff

• Limited control over nutrient delivery and pH balance

The customer sought a solution that could deliver consistent, high‑quality lettuce while minimizing resource consumption.

Solution

Our team designed and supplied a customized NFT hydroponic growing system featuring:

• Precision nutrient delivery via recirculating channels to ensure optimal growth conditions

• Food contact grade PVC grow pipes with 22 cm plant spacing for maximum canopy coverage

• Automated pH and EC monitoring to maintain nutrient solution stability

• Modular frame design for easy expansion and maintenance

This setup was housed within a protected greenhouse environment, allowing for fine‑tuned climate control and year‑round operation.

Results

After One month of operation, the project achieved:

• 100 % higher lettuce yields compared to local soil‑based farms

• 90 % reduction in water usage, thanks to the closed‑loop nutrient system

• Consistent leaf quality, free from soil‑borne diseases and pests

• Scalable layout, easily replicable for future urban farms

The success of this pilot project has paved the way for further rollouts across the region, demonstrating the power of urban farm solutions and NFT hydroponic systems in delivering sustainable, profitable agriculture.

Interested in Your Own Urban Farm NFT Hydroponic Growing System?

If you’d like to explore how an NFT hydroponic growing system can transform your lettuce production, let’s talk! I’m Jamie Feng from Xiamen Wellgain Greenhouse Engineering Co., Ltd.