After spending the last 4 years on Hydroponics, I started 2016 farming season by leveraging my knowledge on Internet of things and Aquaponics. The first stage will be non-technical hack in how to better kick off seedling stage. In the last 3 years, I have been using Rockwool as my starter plugs. I notice that if you leave it as is on an open tray the roots start to bleed into each other and make it harder to separate.
It was during one of my Home Depot, I noticed foam pipe insulation that is perfect for seedling need instead of using net pots and [Hydronton][a-hyrdoton]. It can be easily recycle by picking out the seedling during replanting by removing it through the split. Another thing I noticed is using only Rockwool only as the only medium prevented the seedling to sprout effectively because it is packed to tightly in the foam. I have use used coffee beans in my previous year for my Hydroponics system but it will not be good for my Aquaponics system I am trying to build. Another substitute medium is Coconut fiber. I have replaced the top layer with fiber to create a lightly pack top to allow easier sprouting during germination period.
As you can see the above picture, I have left two foam pot with Rockwool and all other have been converted to use Coconut Fiber. The overall cost is also cheaper per seedling. Each set of foam pipe can cut into 100+ pieces.
Net Pot Seedling
Net Pot: $0.13 /each
Rockwool: $0.17 /each
Hydroton: $0.05 /each
Total Cost: $0.35 /each
Foam Seedling
Foam Pipe Insulation: $0.08 /each
Rockwool: $0.06 /each (Split into 3 pieces for bottom layer)
Coconut Fiber: $0.01 /each (I only used a fraction of it so it is about a penny)
Total Cost: $0.15 /each (about 55% in cost saving, this does not factor in recycling foam pipe where most of the time you cannot with a net pot)