Smart Hydroponic Farming Using IoT Technologies: A Socio-Technical Approach to Urban Sustainability

Abstract

This paper presents that urban populations are increasingly facing challenges related to limited space, lifestyle constraints, and a rising interest in self-sustained food production. Smart farming systems integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) offer promising solutions to support sustainable, space-efficient agriculture. This paper presents the development of an innovative hydroponic gardening system using an ESP8266 microcontroller, ultrasonic water-level monitoring, LED indicators, and mobile-based control via the Blynk application. Beyond the technical contribution, this study emphasises the social significance of IoT-based farming in improving food awareness, reducing labour dependency, and supporting behavioural change towards sustainable urban living. Findings show that the system reliably automates water management, enhancing accessibility for individuals with limited gardening experience or time constraints. The project demonstrates how low-cost IoT hydroponics can support community resilience, environmental awareness, and adaptability to a modern lifestyle.