ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Scientists at the University of Minnesota and other schools will studying how to keep Midwest corn-based cropping systems resilient amid climate uncertainties.

The work is funded by a $20 million grant announced Friday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Forty-two scientists from 10 universities and two USDA institutions in eight north-central states, including Minnesota, will collect and analyze data over the next five years.

Among them will be soil science professor Jeff Strock, who will collect data in southwestern Minnesota. He will focus on drainage water management, which has the potential to reduce the impact of climate change on farm productivity by improving efficiency in water use and reducing nitrogen losses.

The grant is part of USDA's program for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration.

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