SUMMARYIt has been shown that structural failure in small grain cereals occurs by buckling rather than by loss of anchorage. A theoretical study established the relationship between a lateral force applied to the head, and failure of the straw. Resistance to bending is determined by two factors, Young's modulus and outer diameter of the straw. These were determined in laboratory tests. The value of Young's modulus was affected by stage of maturity of the straw. Wind-tunnel experiments established a relationship between air velocity and deflexion of the head. An attempt was made to calculate the wind speed necessary to cause straw breakage in the field. The kinetic effect of raindrops was not a significant factor in lodging. Attention has been drawn to the possible importance of taper in the straw.
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