# The Impact of Cloud Versus Local Infrastructure on Automatic IoT-Driven Hydroponic Systems
## 1 Introduction  
Hydroponics is a method by which plants are not cultivated traditionally, that is, in soil, but through an artificial method. The plant roots are in a solution containing a mixture of water, minerals, and other substances necessary for its development. This growing technique is adapted to urban areas or those with limited arable land, and it is also veryeasy to grow, monitor, and harvest [1; 2]. This technique minimizes resource consumption and maximizes the yield. To achieve this goal, the nutrient level must be provided according to specific standards for the cultivated plants to perform photosynthesis without rotting or becoming infected with various pests [3; 4]. Hydroonic systems are classified based on their characteristics and operational methods, with the most commonly encountered being those implemented through the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain) Systems, and Drip Systems, as presented in Table 1. NFT uses a thin layer of nutrient solution that flows over the plant roots. This method allows nutrient absorption while minimizing water use [5; 6]. DWC is based on submerging the plant roots in a nutrient solution. Oxygen is supplied through air stones or other aeration methods [7; 8; 9]. Flood and Drain systems periodically flood the growing area with nutrient solution, then drain it, allowing the roots to absorb nutrients while also receiving oxygen during the drainage phase [5; 7]. Drip systems deliver the nutrient solution directly to the base of each plant. In this way, it can be adjusted according to the specific needs of the crop [5; 6; 10]. Table 1 provides an overview of the four hydroponic technologies. This table highlights the advantages and limitations of each, as stated before in the literature. Thus, by analyzing Table 1, the choice of methodology used in this study, which focuses on integrating hydroponic systems into an automatic IoT (Internet of Things) infrastructure, is justified. The study presented in this paper will utilize a hydroponic system of the Drip type, specifically the Recovery Drip System. This system recirculates the mixture of nutrient solution with water. Research [3; 11] demonstrates that different hydroponic technologies used for the same plant species will result in variations in nutrient uptake. This affects root development and plant health. Additionally, [PERSON] et al. [12] introduce the role of microorganisms in hydroponic systems. The research demonstrates that microorganisms influence plant growth by increasing nutrient absorption. Traditional hydroponic systems have evolved into improved variants that integrate aquaponics, a method that involves raising fish alongside plants [13; 14]. In this symbiotic relationship, fish waste serves as a natural fertilizer for the plants. The plants help filter and purify the water for the fish, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes resource utilization [13; 15]. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c} \hline
**Technology** & **Operating Principle** & **Advantages** & **Disadvantages** \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{NFT} & A thin layer of nutrient solution & High water and & Susceptible to water \\  & flows over the roots & nutrient efficiency & flow interruptions \\  & Roots are fully submerged & Well-aerated roots & Requires strict flow control \\  & in an oxygenated & Rapid plant growth; & Requires constant \\  & nutrient solution & Simple system to implement & oxygenation to prevent \\  & & & root suffocation \\  & Alternates between & Provides good & High energy consumption \\  & flooding and draining & root oxygenation; & Requires constant \\  & the substrate & & plant types & monitoring \\  & The nutrient solution is & & Risk of clogged pipes; \\  & delivered directly to the & Efficient for diverse crops; & Requires regular \\  & roots via & Low water consumption & maintenance \\  & controlled dripping & & \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Comparison of the leading hydroponic technologies.