From the text 'Soil and root samples were collected at regular intervals from two adjacent 1/4—acre plots known as Roberts* Plots within a pine forest near Urania, Louisiana. Nematodes were first identified in survey form, then populations were observed to estab1ish~ fluctuation trends over longer durations. Parasitic nematodes were of primary concern since they could affect the pine growth and ultimately their size over the years. In this unique setting where Roberts* Plots had been burned annually since 1915, methods were designed to compare selected soil. parameters — p11, temperature, moisture, organic matter, and particle density to nematodes recovered from the burned plots, and the unburned plots. Five significant correlations were found between numbers of parasitic nematodes recovered and the soil factors monitored: Pratylenchus spp. with pH, Helicotylenchus spp. with moisture, and Hemicycliophora spp. with organic matter. From statistical procedures alone it would appear in this study that prolonged prescribed burning significantly favors the increase of parasitic populations of nematodes. However, it has taken over half a century for Roberts* Plots to evolve into the complex biotic and abiotic state it is in today. There is no reasonable way to establish what influences were responsible for changes on the microflora and microfauna between the burned and unburned plots since 1915 to the present time. A sterilized soil plot is recommended for future experiments with the introduction of known parasitic nematodes onto the seedlings. All parameters should be reported.'