Which of the following is a key characteristic of soil strength?

Soil strength refers to the capability of soil to support loads without experiencing failure, making it a fundamental aspect in various engineering and construction applications. This characteristic is crucial as it determines how a soil mass will behave under applied loads, whether from structures, vehicles, or other forces.

When assessing soil for construction, understanding its strength helps in designing foundations, retaining walls, and other structures that depend on the soil's ability to sustain weight without shifting, compacting excessively, or collapsing. Soil strength is primarily influenced by factors such as compaction, cohesion, and internal friction, which all play roles in its behavior under stress.

Other characteristics, such as the ability to retain moisture, conduct heat, or absorb nutrients, are important in different contexts (like agriculture or environmental science) but do not directly relate to the soil's capability to withstand loads. Therefore, the ability to support load without experiencing failure clearly defines soil strength in the context of engineering and architecture.