Dina Schärfe - PhD Candidate

Current Project

The WeiTiMo research project explores innovative approaches to the sustainable management of photovoltaic systems on rewetted peatlands using small ruminants at the Lottorf solar park in Schleswig-Holstein. In collaboration with the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) in Dummerstorf and the University of Potsdam, an animal-friendly grazing system with sheep is being developed to replace conventional mechanical maintenance while protecting sensitive peat soils.

As part of my PhD, I focus on developing and evaluating a flexible, technology-supported grazing management system. Virtual fencing and GPS-based animal monitoring enable precise and labour-efficient management. In addition, vegetation dynamics within the specific conditions of peatland PV systems are analysed to assess forage availability and quality. The overall aim is to develop practical guidelines for integrated and sustainable solar park management.

Education and Experience

Since 2026 PhD student at the University of Potsdam (supervised by Prof. Linstädter) 

2023 – 2026 Mooragentur, District of Cuxhaven

2019 -2021 Research Assistant, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, University of Göttingen

2020 -2023 MSc in Agricultural Sciences (Agribusiness), University of Göttingen

2016-2019 BSc in Agricultural Sciences (Crop Science), University of Göttingen