Book of Abstracts
11th IFOAM
Scientific Conference
11-15 August 1996
Copenhagen, Denmark

Abstract front page
Subject index
Athor index

Symposia

CuCl2 crystallization - A picto-morphological approach to quality S23

Andersen, Jens-Otto1; Henriksen, Christian2; Kølster, Per1; Laursen, Jens2.

1) Dpt. of Agricult. Sciences / Agroecology, KVL-T, DK-2630 Taastrup.2) Dpt. of Mathematics & Physics, KVL-F, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C.

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In the organic agricultural research concerning the quality of crops and products methods are needed which: a) complement traditional chemical-analytical methods by means of more overall quality parameters b) focus on quality characteristics connected to primary characteristics of organic farming practices relative to conventional farming practices, such as the nitrogen metabolism of the crops, due to general differencies in timing and accessibility of nitrogen-containing fertilizers.

By means of the CuCl2 crystallization method, originally introduced in the 1930'ies, the picto-morphological properties of agricultural products can be investigated. When applied in connection with quality investigations the method is traditionally based on visual classification of morphological features and coordination of crystal textures, resulting from crystallizing aqueous solutions of CuCl2.2H2O and organic substances/ extracts. It can be argued that the coordination and »order« of the crystal textures represent an overall qualitative characteristic of the product. Specifically amino acids and proteins have picto-morphological properties, influencing the textural features and coordination.

A method for producing CuCl2 crystallograms is presented, including an octangular crystallization chamber and a circular crystallization apparatus, with emphasis on control of primary physical factors influencing the textural features and coordination. Crystallograms produced from aqueous solutions of PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), a synthetic polymer with protein-like properties, are presented, representing different groups distinguished by polymerization level (AMW 10-700 kDal) and concentration of PVP, and representing different textural features and degrees of coordination, relevant in connection with quality investigations of agricultural products. Two methods of classification of the textures are presented, visual classification and computerized image analysis classification.

Andersen, J-O., Laursen, J. and Kølster, P. (1996): A Method for producing CuCl2 Crystallograms - for Investigation of Picto-morphological Properties of Agricultural Products (in prep.).

Balzer-Graf, U. R. and Balzer, F. (1991) Steigbild und Kupferchloridkristallisation - Spiegel der Vitalaktivität von Lebensmitteln. In: Meier-Ploeger, A. and Vogtmann, H. (Eds.): Lebensmittelqualität - Ganzheitliche Methoden und Konzepte. Karlsruhe: Verlag C.F. Müller, p. 9-28.

Engqvist, M. (1970) Gestaltkräfte des Lebendigen. Frankfurt am Main: Vitt. Klostermann.