What factor does not influence the soil's ability to absorb and allow water passage?

The ability of soil to absorb and allow water passage is primarily influenced by physical and chemical properties related to the soil itself. Soil texture, which refers to the size of soil particles (sand, silt, and clay), plays a crucial role in determining the porosity and permeability of the soil. Finer textures like clay can retain water better but often restrict water movement, while sandy textures allow for quicker drainage.

Groundwater proximity affects the saturation of the soil, which can influence how easily it can absorb additional water. If the water table is close, the soil may be more saturated and therefore have a different absorption capacity compared to when the groundwater is deeper.

Cation exchange capacity relates to the soil's ability to hold and exchange nutrients and can also impact how well the soil retains moisture.

In contrast, humidity levels are more indicative of external environmental conditions rather than intrinsic soil properties. While humidity can influence the overall moisture content in the environment, it does not directly alter the fundamental characteristics of the soil itself that enable water absorption and passage. Thus, it does not play a role in the soil's inherent absorption capabilities.