Which of the following factors influences the absorption of water in turf?

Soil compaction significantly influences the absorption of water in turf. When the soil is compacted, the spaces between soil particles are reduced, which limits the soil's ability to hold air and water. This compaction creates a barrier that hinders water movement and infiltration into the root zone of the turf, leading to poorer water absorption. As a result, turfgrass may become stressed due to insufficient moisture, leading to poor growth and health of the grass.

While other factors such as mowing frequency, clippings removal, and traffic intensity do impact turf health and growth, their direct influence on water absorption is less pronounced compared to soil compaction. Mowing frequency can affect grass height and photosynthesis but doesn’t directly change soil structure to control water absorption. Similarly, the removal of clippings might contribute to thatch control but is not a primary factor affecting how well water is absorbed. Traffic intensity can lead to some degree of compaction but is generally more about the physical disturbance caused rather than the inherent factors affecting soil's ability to absorb water. Thus, soil compaction stands out as the key factor influencing water absorption in turf.