Boswell believes dairies mean greater prosperity. Even with five herds, the ranch would retain its farming character. Corrals, milk barns, feed stacks and cows would cover 655 of 7,000 acres. The bulk of the land would grow crops, living off nutrients such as nitrogen released by decomposing cow waste. But manure and urine, with its salt and nitrates, can overload soil and foul groundwater.
Salt is expensive to separate from drinking water.
Boswell crafted meticulous plans to ease concerns. Following water quality estimates, the company built herd sizes around the land available to absorb wastewater rich in salt and nitrates. Tons of dry manure would be spread elsewhere as fertilizer - a common farming practice in California. The ranch's underground pipes, or tile drains, would prevent salt and nitrates from seeping into deeper groundwater. And, Boswell notes, a thick clay layer also guards against contamination.