Beyond prototypes: what is missing to fill the gaps in IoT-enabled hydroponics platforms

Hydroponic agriculture, when combined with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, provides a promising pathway to sustainable and efficient food production. This paper aims to systematically review and analyze recent advancements in IoT-based management for hydroponic systems, with a particular focus on assessing the technological maturity of current solutions, identifying existing gaps, and outlining promising directions for future research and development. Based on a review of 74 recent studies, the findings reveal a fragmented landscape characterized by custom-built solutions, predominantly relying on open-source microcontrollers and WiFi connectivity, but with limited adoption of standardized protocols and interoperable platforms. The majority of applications emphasize monitoring of core hydroponic parameters such as pH, EC, and temperature, while emerging uses of machine learning remain at an early stage. Few systems demonstrate readiness for commercial deployment or integration within broader smart agriculture ecosystems. By clarifying the current state of IoT-enabled hydroponics, this review highlights both the opportunities and the challenges in advancing from isolated prototypes toward robust, scalable systems capable of real-world application.