your help is greatly appreciated with my cover letter!

Dear Prof. Dr. ZZZ :

I am writing to apply for the PhD-position in Environmental Sciences beginning November 2015, as advertised on your website. I completed my MSc in Environmental Protection from the University of yyyyy, Germany in April 2015. I respectfully submit this letter of motivation, for I believe my experiences and commitment to research make me well qualified candidate to meet the needs of the PhD programme.

As it is indicated in my CV, research has been an important part of my career both in xxxx Agricultural Research Centre and yyyyy. My research responsibilities as a research assistant in xxxx Agricultural Research Centre included development of fertilizers and soil fertility management approaches, conducting land use pattern analysis, and examine land use effect on soil chemical and physical properties . In addition, I was part of the research team working on climate variability and climate change research linked with agricultural water management. My recent experience with yyyy included evaluation and implementation of on-farm systems of soil fertility management and water harvesting techniques as well as participatory management of resource in the highlands of x country. Greenhouse and field validation of fertilizers and soil fertility management trail for the three major cereal crops (Rice, Wheat and Barley) in the southern x country were some of my significant research contributions in the past. I also took the opportunity, while working, to learn about soil chemical and physical analysis, environmental testing, data collection, advanced data analysis techniques, and trend analysis, with more specific applications to soil testing.

During my MSc study at the University of yyyyy, my coursework has covered a wide range of topics including soil science, ecology and global change issues. My thesis was entitled “LAND USE/LAND COVER DYNAMICS, AND THEIR ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS IN xxxx LAKES BASIN, SOUTH x country ". The thesis investigated the Land use/Land cover change of the basin, identified the driving forces and its effects on the local ecology. I also did my internship with xxxx project where I successfully participate and contribute to the development of soil fertility mapping of x country. My graduate schools experience reinforced my communication skills and the ability to work with diverse groups of people and experiencing different cultures. My research experience in tropical agriculture and my reliability along with my graduate school experiences are assets that I would bring to your research team.

While working with yyy, I witnessed the potential of conservation farming to encourage environmental regeneration and household food security in seriously degraded highlands of x country. Keen interest has also been expressed on conservation farming by the government and farms during farmers' field day. However, lack of strong research results to help promote conservation agriculture is one of the major limiting factors. I believe the blend of high-quality research facility and research experience of your university will open opportunities to grow academically and technically to deal with the problem back home. I am particularly interested in research on plant-soil processes and soil management practices that affect soil carbon storage. Land use change impact on soil fertility and biodiversity are other special areas that interest me most.

I would enjoy discussing this position with you in the weeks to come. In the meantime, I am enclosing my curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation and copies of my certificates. If you require any additional materials or information, I am happy to supply it.

Thank you very much for your consideration

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