The ability of the soil to absorb and allow water and air to pass through is called?

The correct answer, which refers to the ability of soil to absorb and allow water and air to pass through, is permeability. Permeability is a critical property of soil as it indicates how easily fluids can move through its structure. This characteristic is essential for various environmental and agricultural processes, including groundwater recharge, drainage capacity, and root aeration.

When soil is permeable, it means that the spaces between soil particles are sufficiently large and interconnected, allowing water and air to flow through them without significant obstruction. This property directly impacts the health of ecosystems, the effectiveness of waste management systems, and the overall fertility of agricultural land.

Understanding soil permeability helps environmental health specialists make informed decisions regarding land use, managing water resources, ensuring the adequacy of septic systems, and mitigating pollutant movement through soils.