Bales from farms have varying volumes and banding schemes. New Mexico bales are typically 2 band, Yuma bales are 3 plastic wraps. 3 plastic wrap norther California rice straw bales were shipped for this experiment. Bales of various materials are available.
Straw comes from rice, oats, wheat, etc.
The bales used for this project were rice straw bales and wheat straw bales. These dimensions orientation the fibrous material of the bale horizontal. Bales have been oriented in various positions in building construction. Testing the properties was done in the horizontal and vertical positions. Typical building practice uses either orientation.