Palisade was carved by the Colorado River from soils laid down over eons by an inland sea referred to as the Mancos sea.  According to geologists, this sea advanced and retreated 29 times laying down layers of salty soil which, over time, developed into a formation we call Mancos Shale.  By the time the sea totally withdrew from this area, it left behind deposits as much as 4,150 ft. thick.  Resulting soils developed from these Mancos Shale deposits.

Mancos Shale breaks down into a very productive soil with a high water and plant nutrient holding capacity.  When combined with our long growing season and a highly developed irrigation system, the soil is perfect for growing our world famous tree fruit.