What causes the roots to grow downward?
Light exerts a downward force on the roots. Light exerts a downward force on the roots.
Air in the soil applies a downward pushing force on the roots. Air in the soil applies a downward pushing force on the roots.
Gravity exerts a downward force on the roots. Gravity exerts a downward force on the roots.
Minerals in the soil apply a downward pushing force on the roots.