From 20 May to 28 October 1978, 5 experimental fish ponds at Arkansas State University Fish Farm, Walcott, Arkansas, were utilized in determining the effects of cropping on channel catfish growth. Three ponds were used as experimental ponds and 2 as controls. Selected physiocochemical properties of the water were measured. With the exception of air and water temperatures, properties of the experimental ponds fluctuated more than the controls due to indirect effects of cropping. However, all values fell within acceptable ranges for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque) culture. Mean biweekly gains for the experimental and control fish were .065 and 0.63 kg respectively. Analysis of variance and t-test analysis indicated that at an innitial stocking density of 3720 fish per ha, cropping yielded no significant differences in growth rate or weight gain.
