Soil pH Effect on Plant Growth

Question

I have a chemistry project for school and we have to interview someone with knowledge on the field of soil pH and how it affects plants. I was wondering if you could possibly answer these questions. It would be greatly appreciated.

Why is soil important for plants?
What are factors that can determine or affect a soil’s pH level?
What do plants usually prefer, acidic or alkaline soil?
How does the pH level of the soil affect the plant?
What can be done to keep soil at an appropriate pH level?
What happens if a plant is grown in the wrong type of soil?

Answer 1

Since I cannot do your homework, I can instead point you in the right direction. That being said, you should find answers to most, if not all, of your questions in the following articles: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/what-is-soil-made-of-creating-a-good-garden-planting-soil-type.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/acid-loving-plants.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/lower-acid-soil.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/raise-acid-level-soil.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/alkaline-soil-plants.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm