Rheological properties of concentrated skim milk: influence of heat treatment and genetic variants on the changes in viscosity during storage

Heat treatment during manufacturing of milk powder is one of the most important tools for manipulation of its functional properties, and it is the basis of the classification of these proteins into low-, medium-, and high-heat types. Slight differences in the sequences of the major proteins in milk (genetic variants) seem to have also a significant effect in milk powder processing (U.S. patent). Therefore, the effects of high-temperature storage and heat treatment on skim milk of defined genetic variants of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) were measured. The samples had 45% total solids, the temperature of aging was 50 degrees C, and the heat treatment was 90 degrees C for 10 min prior to evaporation. Measurements on shear rate and on apparent viscosity were determined for each sample. During storage of the concentrated milk, the apparent viscosity and yield values increased markedly, and the age-dependent increase in viscosity in heat-treated concentrated skim milks was much more pronounced than in those prepared from unheated skim milks. The increase in apparent viscosity and yield value with storage time was notably different for milks containing different genetic variants. Unheated concentrated milks containing the B variant of beta-LG showed the most rapid increase in apparent viscosity with storage time, whereas the viscosity increase was slowest in the concentrate containing the A variant. In contrast, heat-treated concentrated milks containing the A variant of beta-LG showed the most rapid increase in viscosity with storage time, whereas the viscosity increase was slowest in the concentrate containing the AB variant. The changes in apparent viscosity of concentrated milk were largely reversible under high shear during the early stages of storage, but samples stored for a long time showed irreversible changes in apparent viscosity. Particle size analysis confirmed irreversible aggregation and fusion of casein particles during storage.     

Quantification of carotenoids in citrus fruit by LC-MS and comparison of patterns of seasonal changes for carotenoids among citrus varieties

To quantify the 18 carotenoids on the basic routes of the carotenoid biosynthesis in plants simultaneously, a method for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization was developed. With this method, the seasonal changes of carotenoids in the flavedo and juice sacs of 39 citrus varieties were analyzed. On the basis of the patterns of seasonal changes of carotenoids in both flavedo and juice sacs, 39 citrus varieties were classified. In flavedo, 39 varieties were classified into 5 clusters, in which the carotenoid profiles were carotenoid-poor, phytoene-abundant, violaxanthin-abundant, violaxanthin- and beta-cryptoxanthin-abundant, and phytoene-, violaxanthin-, and beta-cryptoxanthin-abundant, respectively. In juice sacs, they were classified into 4 clusters, in which the carotenoid profiles were carotenoid-poor, violaxanthin-abundant, violaxanthin- and phytoene-abundant, and violaxanthin-, phytoene-, and beta-cryptoxanthin-abundant, respectively. In flavedo, many citrus varieties, except for the carotenoid-poor and phytoene-abundant varieties, massively accumulated beta,epsilon-carotenoids (e.g., lutein), beta,beta-carotenoids (e.g., beta-cryptoxanthin and violaxanthin), and phytoene, in that order. In juice sacs, the accumulation order among beta,beta-carotenoids was observed. Violaxanthin accumulation preceded beta-cryptoxanthin accumulation in violaxanthin-, phytoene-, and beta-cryptoxanthin-abundant varieties. In each variety, the carotenoid profiles of the flavedo and juice sacs on the basis of the concentration in violaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin were similar, with the exception of a few varieties.     

Tillage choices affect biochemical properties in the soil profile

Intensive conventional farming and continuous use of land resources can lead to agro-ecosystem decline and increased releases of CO₂ to the atmosphere as soil organic matter (OM) decays. The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of varying types and depths of tillage on microbial biomass, C content, and humification in the profile of a loamy-sandy soil in the Mugello valley, close to the Apennine Mountains, in Italy. Soil samples were collected to depths of 0–10, 10–20, 20–30 and 30–40 cm, in the ninth year following introduction of tillage practices. Highest content of all C forms examined (total, extractable and humified) was found at the 0–10 cm depth with minimum tillage (MT) and ripper subsoiling (RS) and at the 30–40 cm depth with conventional tillage (CT). Humified C decreased with depth in soils under MT and RS. None of the tillage systems showed any difference in total N and microbial biomass C in the upper depths, but concentrations were greater below 20 cm in soils subjected to CT, than other tillage systems. Crop production was similar in all tillage systems. Stratification and redistribution of nutrients were consistent with the well known effects of tillage reduction. Total organic C and its distribution in the profile depended on the tillage system employed. MT and RS can be regarded as excellent conservation tillage systems, because they also sequester C.     

Flavored yogurt complex viscosity influences real-time aroma release in the mouth and sensory properties

The influence of flavored yogurt texture on aroma perception and in-nose aroma release measured by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry analysis was investigated. The study was carried out on six yogurts varied by protein composition and mechanical treatment. For the same matrix composition, the complex viscosity of yogurts influenced in-nose release and perception. After swallowing, aroma release and intensity of olfactory perception were stronger in low-viscosity yogurts than in high-viscosity yogurts. Moreover, the protein composition influenced aroma release only when yogurts exhibited wide variations of complex viscosity and consequently texture. In mouth, aroma release and perception were influenced more by yogurt mechanical treatment than by protein composition. On the basis of mass transfer analysis, the main physical mechanism which could explain the difference in aroma release would be the surface exchange area developed in the mouth and in the throat.     

Analysis of the peptide profile of milk and its changes during thermal treatment and storage

In this study a new method was developed for analysis of the low molecular weight protein fraction of milk, allowing a simple and fast overview of the peptide profile of various milk samples. For this purpose, immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) was coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). By this technique, two major peptides in milk could be identified as fragments of alpha-s1-casein. During heat treatment of raw milk, five new peptides were generated, the origin of which could be assigned to the casein fraction. Storage experiments with extended shelf life milk at 4 degrees C did not show any changes in the peptide profile, whereas in ultra high temperature milk stored at room temperature, one peptide increased significantly, which was identified as the N-terminus of alpha-s1-casein. The peptide was assumed to be formed in an enzymatic reaction, which was confirmed in a storage experiment with sterilized milk. Analyses of different commercially available milk samples confirmed the results obtained with the heated and stored milk. Furthermore, differences in the peptide profiles of the samples, probably due to different cow breeds or lactation stages, were observed. These results establish IMAC prior to MALDI-TOF-MS as a valid tool for the rapid analysis of the peptide profile of milk.     

Fluorescent tracer evaluation of chemical protective clothing during pesticide applications in central Florida citrus groves

Chemical protective clothing (CPC) is often recommended as a method of exposure mitigation among pesticide applicators. This study evaluated four CPC regimens (cotton work shirts and work pants, cotton/polyester coveralls, and two non-woven garments) during 33 airblast applications of the organophosphorus insecticide ethion in central Florida citrus groves. CPC performance was determined by measurement of fluorescent tracer deposition on skin surfaces beneath garments with a video imaging analysis instrument (VITAE system), and by alpha-cellulose patches placed outside and beneath the garments. Non-woven coveralls allowed significantly greater exposure than did traditional woven garments, primarily because of design factors (e.g., large sleeve and neck openings). The greatest exposure occurred on the forearms beneath the non-woven garments. Fabric penetration was detected for all test garments; 5% to 7% of the ethion measured outside the garments was found beneath the garments. The clothing materials tested were not chemically resistant under these field conditions. Exposurepathways that would probably be undetected by the patch technique were characterized effectively with fluorescent tracers and video imaging analysis. However, the patch technique was more sensitive in detecting fabric penetration. CPC garments have been improved since this study was conducted, but performance testing under field conditions is not widespread. Workers conducting airblast applications would be better protected by closed cab systems or any technology that places an effective barrier between the worker and the pesticide spray.     

Response of soil chemical and biological variables to small and large scale changes in climatic factors

This paper studies the effect of large- and small-scale changes of soil temperature and humidity on soil microbial biomass C and N, ergosterol, carbon utilization potential, organic and inorganic N and rate of C and N mineralization at 25°C. Large-scale variations are identified with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. To simulate small-scale changes, soil temperature and humidity were manipulated in the field. The treatment resulted in damping of temperature fluctuations and a decrease of soil humidity.The majority of the studied variables exhibit pronounced seasonality, showing a clear-cut distinction between summer (July–August) and winter (December). In summer, C mineralization rate and carbon utilization potential was high but microbial and fungal biomass (ergosterol) was low.C and N mineralization rate and microbial and fungal biomass were only affected by sampling date, demonstrating that gross parameters of biomass and activity of microorganisms are not affected by small-scale changes in temperature and humidity. In contrast, variables relating to N availability (organic N, NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻, microbial biomass N) and carbon utilization potential of the microbial community were highly affected by small-scale changes in soil abiotic conditions. The results suggest that changes in N dynamics induced by small-scale changes of temperature and humidity are caused by shifts in the structure of the microbial community rather than by variations in microbial biomass.     

Dietary fiber from Tunisian common date cultivars (Phoenix dactylifera L.): chemical composition, functional properties, and antioxidant capacity

The dietary fibers (DF) of 10 date varieties from Tunisian oases have been investigated. Further knowledge on the content, composition, and technological applications of those fibers could support their genetic variability and promote the socioeconomical development of growing areas. The composition, water- and oil-holding capacities, solubility, and antiradical activity have been determined. The DF content ranged from 4.7% (Matteta, Rochdi) to >7% (Deglé Nour, Garen Gaze, Smeti). Composition varied significantly among cultivars, and the results evidenced that uronic acids and lignin determine to a great extent the organoleptic quality of dates. Many of the varieties that have been studied (Garen Gaze, Matteta, Kenta, Rochdi, Mermella, Korkobbi, Eguwa) were selected because of great interest from technological and functional points of view. Among their physicochemical characteristics, these samples presented water- and oil-holding capacities of higher than 17 and 4 mL/g fiber, respectively, which make them suitable for use as additives in fiber-enriched foods. Also, DF of Garen Gaze, Smeti, Mermella, and Eguwa had a high antiradical capacity (>230 Trolox equiv/kg fiber). It was concluded that some of these varieties could be grown as potential sources of DF, which could be included in the formulation of fiber- and antioxidant-enriched foods.     

Monitoring chemical and physical changes during thermal flavor generation

On-line techniques were developed to monitor chemical and physical changes occurring during the heating of skim milk powder (SMP). Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCIMS) followed the generation and release of volatile compounds from SMP in a packed-bed reactor. Operating conditions were optimized to avoid condensation of high boiling compounds such as maltol, and the system was highly reproducible (CV < 7%). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of SMP identified a potential glass transition at an onset temperature of 67.9 degrees C and a series of exothermic events that were related to different stages of the Maillard reaction. No lactose crystallization was found after heating. Using a heated stage reflectance FTIR device, spectra were obtained at different temperatures. Analysis of the data showed a correlation between the intensity ratio at wavenumbers 1017 and 1064 cm(-1) and the glass transition measured by DSC. This FTIR system was not sensitive enough to detect Maillard intermediates. Combining data from the three techniques provides a fuller picture of the physical changes during the Maillard reaction and their effects on the chemical reactions.     

Liming in Ontario: Short-term biological and chemical changes

The short-term results of a 5-yr experimental lake neutralization program involving whole-lake liming of Trout and Bowland Lakes are reviewed. Whole-lake liming did not prevent spring melt pulses of acid and Al in a zone situated under the ice nearshore. Liming did improve whole-lake water quality in a previously acidified lake (Bowland Lake) so that lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) could be restocked successfully. In situ bioassays showed a statistically significant improvement in survival of overwintering lake trout eggs after liming. Lake trout fry exposed during spring melt also showed increased survival rates after liming except at one site in Trout Lake where liming did not prevent the occurrence of 100% mortality. The resident yellow perch (Perca flavescens) population in Bowland Lake exhibited short-term increases in survival and in recruitment the first year following neutralization. Growth rate responses differed among age cohorts. A preliminary shoal liming experiment in Laundrie Lake suggested that nearshore spawning shoals which are not necessarily protected by whole-lake liming may be protected by treatment with fine calcite gravel.     

Sensory and chemical changes in tomato sauces during storage

The present work aimed to identify the key odorants of tomato sauces responsible for the flavor change during storage. Products made from paste or canned tomatoes were stored at 25 and 40 degrees C. Sensory properties and quantification of the key odorants were measured and correlated. Significant sensory changes appeared after 1 and 3 months at 25 degrees C in the respective dice and paste sauces (p < 0.01). The dice sauce was characterized by a steep loss of the sensory quality during the early storage and then by identical changes within the same time span at 25 and 40 degrees C. In the paste sauce the sensory deterioration was slower than for the dice sauce and occurred more extensively at 40 degrees C than at 25 degrees C. Correlation between sensory and instrumental data revealed that the source of sensory changes should be (E,E)-deca-2,4-dienal in the dice sauce. The sensory change in the paste sauce could be due to acetaldehyde, methylpropanal, 3-methylbutanal, oct-1-en-3-one, 3-methylbutanoic acid, deca-2,4-dienal, 2-methoxyphenol, and beta-damascenone.     

Sodium carbonate treatment induces scoparone accumulation, structural changes, and alkalinization in the albedo of wounded citrus fruits

Following sodium carbonate treatment, accumulation of scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin) but not scopoletin (6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin) was found in the albedo of wounded fruit from different Citrus sp. and cultivars. Treating wounded mandarin fruit cv. Fairchild with 5% Na(2)CO(3) (SC) lead to a scoparone accumulation in the albedo of 310, 361, and 382 microg g(-1) fresh weight after 7, 10, and 15 days, respectively. Scoparone accumulation was associated with a decrease in decay severity. When oranges cv. Biondo comune wounded and treated with 5% SC were inoculated with Penicillium digitatum or Penicillium italicum conidia 3 days posttreatment, the decay percentage as compared to untreated wounds was reduced by 97.2 and 93.9%, respectively. Observations by scanning electron microscopy of wounded Citrus fruits treated at 20 degrees C with 2, 3, 4, or 5% (w/v) solutions of sodium carbonate showed structural modifications to the albedo as well as damage to 24-48 h old mycelia of P. digitatum, the cause of citrus green mold. Modifications were more evident in orange, lemon, and grapefruit as compared to mandarin fruit. The efficacy of the treatment was strictly related to the SC interaction with the albedo tissue that, in addition to structural changes, significantly increased tissue pH, affecting P. digitatum pathogenicity. The SC remaining as a film on unwounded flavedo had no effect in preventing contact infection by the Penicillia.     

Structural characterization of corn fiber gums from coarse and fine fiber and a study of their emulsifying properties

The stabilities of orange oil emulsions stabilized with various concentrations of two different types of corn fiber gum (CFG-1 and 2) isolated from coarse (pericarp) and fine (endosperm) fiber from corn wet milling have been studied. The emulsion stabilities in all these studies increased with increasing gum concentration up to a gum-to-oil ratio of 0.05, and after that it either levels off or changes very slightly. These results indicate that only 0.25% of CFG is required to make stable emulsion containing 5% orange oil under the experimental conditions used in this study. At this CFG concentration, CFG-2 from each fiber source was found to be a superior emulsifier relative to the corresponding CFG-1 from each source in a 10-day emulsion stability study at room temperature. The emulsion stability was also investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy measurement, and it was found that CFG-1 and 2 from both coarse and fine fiber made stable emulsions with an average particle size of less than 1 mum for 10 days at room temperature. Sugar composition analysis of CFGs from both sources indicated that they were typical galactoglucuronoarabinoxylans containing mainly 55-59% xylose, 29-36% arabinose, and 4-6% galactose as neutral sugars and 3-5% glucuronic acid. Methylation analysis revealed a highly branched structure of all CFGs, in which only 16-25% of the 1--> 4-linked xylose residues were not substituted at O-2 and/or O-3. Arabinose is present both as a terminal residue and at branch points.     

Wetland conversion to beef cattle pasture changes in soil properties

Background and Objective  Largely influenced by the passage of the Swamp Land Act of 1849, many wetlands have been lost in the coastal plain region of southeastern United States primarily as a result of drainage to convert land for agriculture. While further wetland conversion or loss is universally acknowledged, the process continues with little public recognition of the causes or consequences. This study examined changes in soil carbon, pH, and Mehlich extractable nutrients in soils following conversion of wetland to beef cattle pasture. Methods  To better understand the chemical response of soils during wetland conversion to beef cattle pasture, soil samples were collected from the converted beef cattle pastures and from the adjoining reference wetland. Soil samples were collected from eleven sites in the beef cattle pasture, and from four in the adjoining reference wetland. Data that were collected from the reference wetland sites were used as the reference/baseline data to detect potential changes in soil properties associated with the conversion of wetlands to beef cattle pastures from 1940 to 2002. Results and Discussion  Compared with the adjoining reference wetland, the beef cattle pasture soils in 2002, 62 years after being drained, exhibited: (1) a decrease in organic carbon, TOC (-172.3 g kg^-1), nitrogen, TN (-10.1 g kg^-1), water soluble phosphorus, WSP (-5.1mg kg^-1), and potassium, K (-0.7 mg kg^-1); (2) an increase in soil pH (+1.8 pH unit), calcium, Ca (+88.4 mg kg^-1), magnesium, Mg (+7.5 mg kgc), manganese, Mn (+0.3 mg kg^-1), and iron, Fe (+6.9 mg kg^-1); and (3) no significant changes in sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). In 2002, the amount of TOC and the concentration of soil organic matter (OM) in pasture fields were significantly lower than the concentration in the reference wetland with average values of 7.8 ± 8 g kg^-1 and 36 ± 26 g kg^-1 and 180.1 ± 188 g kg^-1 and 257 ± 168 g kg^-1, respectively. It appeared that conversion of wetlands was proceeding toward a soil condition/composition like that of mineral soils. Conclusion and Outlook  Overall, conversion of wetland had significant effects on soil carbon, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and extractable nutrients. Results of our study have shown a decrease in TOC, TN, WSP, and K and an increase in soil pH, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Fe. These results are important in establishing useful baseline information on soil properties in pasture and adjoining reference wetland prior to restoring and converting pasture back to its original wetland conditions as a major part of the restoration effort being underway.     

Effects of heat treatment and dehydration on properties of cauliflower fiber

The effects of heat treatment and dehydration on fiber structure and hydration properties, using cauliflower floret/curd and stem tissues, have been investigated. No major changes in fiber composition resulted from sample treatments, but the degree of esterification of pectic polysaccharides, approximately 60% in fresh cauliflower, decreased by approximately 12% in samples heated at temperatures >40 degrees C. Enzymic activity was considered to be responsible, through pectin methyl esterase activity. De-esterification was temperature and moisture sensitive. Hydration properties were also affected by processing conditions. The solubility of nonstarch polysaccharides in fresh, freeze-dried, and 40 degrees C dried samples was approximately 6% but increased to 12% in boiled samples and decreased in samples dried at 75 degrees C. Similar behavior occurred for swelling and water retention capacity (WRC), with swelling and WRC highest for boiled samples and lowest for samples dried at 75 degrees C. Hence, a decrease in de-esterification was not directly responsible for changes in hydration properties. The results demonstrate the importance of processing history on functional properties and on the preparation of fiber-rich ingredients for successful incorporation into foods.     

Fractionation, characterization, and study of the emulsifying properties of corn fiber gum

Corn fiber gum (CFG) has been fractionated by hydrophobic interaction chromatography on Amberlite XAD-1180 resin using ionic, acidic, basic, and hydrophobic solvents of different polarities. Characterization, including determination of total carbohydrate, acidic sugar, and protein content, has been done for each fraction together with measurements of molar mass, polydispersity, radius of gyration, Mark-Houwink exponent, and intrinsic viscosity using multiangle laser light scattering and online viscosity measurements. Emulsification properties of all fractions in an oil-in-water emulsion system with 20:1 oil to gum ratio were studied by measuring turbidity over 14 days. The results indicate that CFG consists of different components differing in their molecular weights and carbohydrate and protein contents. The main fraction eluted with NaCl, although low in protein content, has the highest average molecular weight and was determined to be a better emulsifier than the other fractions. The unfractionated CFG, which contains different molecular species, is the best emulsifier.     

Analysis and properties of arabinoxylans from discrete corn wet-milling fiber fractions

Three fibrous corn wet-milling fractions, coarse fiber, fine fiber, and spent flake, were isolated. More highly valued uses are sought for these milling products, which are generally directed into the corn gluten feed product stream. Coarse fiber was further dissected into pericarp and aleurone layers. An alkaline hydrogen peroxide process was used to efficiently extract corn fiber gum (CFG) from each of the materials. CFG is a hemicellulose B arabinoxylan which also contains low levels of D,L-galactose and D-glucuronic acid. CFG yield information was obtained from each source, as well as structural information in terms of degrees of branching of the beta-D-xylopyranose backbone with alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl moieties. There were significant differences in degree of branching among the CFGs from the various fractions. A novel capillary electrophoresis procedure was developed to measure these differences. Solution viscosity differences among the CFGs were also observed.     

Forest soil chemical changes between 1949/50 and 1987

Soil profiles from the Alltcailleach Forest in north-east Scotland originally sampled in 1949/50 were resampled in 1987. Soil pH, exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and Na, extractable Al and cation exchange capacity were measured on the original stored and resampled soils. Chemical changes were characterized by decreases in pH, base cations, base saturation and cation exchange capacity. Extractable amounts of Al increased. Sequential leaching experiments showed a significant increase in the amount of extractable sulphate in mineral soil horizons. Changes in soil chemistry were interpreted to result from a combination of nutrient depletion caused by tree growth, natural pedogenic processes and atmospheric pollution effects.     

Usefulness of near-infrared spectroscopy to determine biological and chemical soil properties: Importance of sample pre-treatment

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is known for its inexpensiveness, rapidity and accuracy and may become a useful tool for the assessment of soil quality. Objectives were (i) to evaluate the ability of NIRS to predict several chemical and biological properties of organically managed arable soils as well as the properties of grain yield from winter cereals for a closed population and (ii) to test whether the use of field-moist and pre-treated (quick-freezing followed by freeze-drying and grinding) samples will generate similar results. One hundred and sixteen soil samples from nine organically managed farms from Germany sampled in 2005 and 2006 were used for this investigation. Spectra of the near-infrared region (including the visible range, 400–2500 nm) from field-moist (<2 mm) or pre-treated soil samples were recorded. A modified partial least-square regression method and cross-validation were used to develop an equation over the whole spectrum (first–third derivation). For the pre-treated soils, good predictions were obtained for pH, contents of organic C, total N, plant-available P (Olsen) and exchangeable K (calcium-acetate-lactate (CAL)), contents of microbial biomass C and N (C_mic and N_mic) and ergosterol, basal respiration, metabolic quotient, the ratio of organic C/total N, the grain yield of winter cereals and grain nitrogen uptake. The RSC (the ratio of standard deviation of laboratory results to standard error of cross-validation) was greater than 2.0, the correlation coefficients (r) of a linear regression (measured against predicted values) were greater than or equal to 0.9 and the regression coefficients (a) ranged from 0.9 to 1.1. Similar good predictions were obtained if field-moist samples were used, with the exception of P (Olsen), K (CAL), metabolic quotient, grain yield of winter cereals and grain nitrogen uptake (satisfactory predictions) and ergosterol content (unsatisfactory prediction). Good predictions of the contents of Mg (CaCl₂) and microbial biomass P (P_mic) were achieved for field-moist but not for pre-treated samples. Despite sample preparation, only satisfactory predictions were obtained for the ratios of C_mic/N_mic and ergosterol/C_mic and grain nitrogen content (1.4RSC2.0, r0.8 and 0.8a1.2). However, unsatisfactory predictions for field-moist and pre-treated samples were achieved for the content of P (CAL), the nitrogen mineralisation rate and the ratios of C_mic/P_mic and basal respiration/nitrogen mineralisation rate. Our results demonstrate that biological soil properties can be predicted with NIRS for closed populations in both sample states. The pre-treatment should be used if samples have to be stored prior to infrared measurements for periods longer than a month.     

The calculation of base cation release from the chemical weathering of Scottish soils using the profile model

To investigate the weathering rates of different soil parent materials which occur in Scotland, a study has been undertaken in which detailed soil mineralogy has been used to calculate base cation release. To calculate base cation release, this data, and supplementary soil chemistry and physical attribute data, have provided the input to the PROFILE model. The model is a multi-layer, steady state, deterministic model in which the soil is represented by a series of mixed tank reactors, each of which has the mineralogical, physical and chemical attributes measured for individual soil horizons. The major parent materials from which Scottish soils have developed are glacial till, derived from acid to basic igneous rocks, schist and other metamorphic types, Lower Palaeozoic greywackes and shales, Old Red Sandstone sediments, Carboniferous sediments and Permo-Trias sediments. For each of the parent materials, three soil profiles were analysed and used with the PROFILE model. The base cation release rates, calculated for these parent materials in the top 50cm of the soil profile, varies between 0.2 and 3.2 keq/ha/yr, although, for a given parent material, the range was usually quite small. In general, these results compare very favourably with those suggested for the calculation of critical loads using an empirical approach proposed at Skokloster. In comparison with current rates of deposition, this suggests many of these soils are being acidified and that for many soil-plant combinations, the critical load may be exceeded.