IoT connectivity for enhancing hydroponic farming: A comparative study.

In response to the global challenge of increasing food production by 70% by 2050 to meet the demands of a projected 9.1 billion population, this study explores the application of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity technologies in hydroponic farming. Hydroponics offers a sustainable and soil-less method for cultivating plants, which, when combined with IoT, can significantly enhance efficiency and production. Our research conducts a comparative analysis of various IoT connectivity technologies such as Wi-Fi, LoRa, Zigbee, Bluetooth and cellular networks, assessing their applicability and performance in hydroponic settings. The study methodology includes a thorough literature review and empirical data analysis to evaluate the impact of these technologies on real-time monitoring, automation, resource utilization, and decision-making processes in hydroponic systems.The results highlight the critical role of selecting appropriate IoT connectivity options tailored to specific hydroponic farm needs, balancing factors like range, energy consumption, data throughput, and cost. Finally, the paper discusses future perspectives, emphasizing the importance of developing robust security protocols for IoT in agriculture to safeguard against cyber threats and unauthorized access.This research aims to provide hydroponic producers with insightful tools for making informed decisions on IoT technology integration to optimize their farming practices.