Comparison of Agricultural Gypsum with Power Plant By-Product Gypsum for South Texas Potato Production

Field studies were conducted in 1998 and 1999 in Frio County to evaluate the effects of power plant by-product gypsum in comparison with agricultural gypsum applied at planting on potato (Solanum tubersum) production.  'Atlantic' and '1625' potato varieties were grown  using rates of 1000  to 4000 lb/A of commercial agricultural grade gypsum and power plant by-product gypsum. Potato yield and quality were not affected by gypsum  rate  regardless of product source. In addition,  no heavy metal accumulation in plant tissue was noted with by-product gypsum.