What should be monitored regularly to effectively manage pests in stored grains?

Monitoring pest population and humidity levels is essential for effectively managing pests in stored grains. Pests such as insects and rodents are attracted to stored grains and can multiply rapidly if not controlled. Regularly assessing pest populations helps in determining the presence and extent of infestation, which is crucial for implementing control measures in a timely manner.

Humidity levels are equally important to monitor because high moisture can create a favorable environment for pests and can lead to conditions that promote mold growth or grain spoilage. Ensuring that humidity levels are maintained at appropriate levels can prevent pest infestations and protect the integrity of the stored grains.

In contrast, focusing on soil nutrients, weather conditions, or market prices does not directly impact the management of pests in stored grains. Soil nutrients are more relevant to crop production rather than storage management. Weather conditions can influence pest activity outside of the storage environment but are less prominent in direct pest management when grains are already stored. Market prices are critical for economic decision-making related to grain sales but do not affect immediate pest control strategies in storage.