Which of the following factors increases soil water storage?

The factor that increases soil water storage is precipitation. When rainfall occurs, it adds moisture to the soil, which can be retained for use by plants and soil organisms. The amount of water that can be stored in the soil directly relates to how much precipitation the area receives. Adequate rainfall replenishes soil moisture levels, ensuring that plants have consistent access to the water they need for growth and development.

While soil texture does impact how much water can be held in the soil, it does not increase water storage directly; rather, it influences the soil's capacity to retain moisture after precipitation occurs. Soil acidity affects nutrient availability and the overall health of plants but does not contribute to the physical storage of water in the soil. Similarly, crop type can influence water usage and transpiration rates but does not directly affect the amount of water that can be stored in the soil itself. Thus, precipitation is the primary factor that effectively increases soil water storage.