A surface horizon produced by continuous cropping is known as

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) Anthropic epipedon

Explanation:
• An Anthropic epipedon is a surface horizon formed by long-term human activity, such as continuous cropping, intensive irrigation, or addition of organic waste.
• It is similar to a Mollic epipedon in terms of color, structure, and organic carbon content but differs because it has a high phosphorus content due to human interference (fertilization).
• It may also be dry for longer periods than a Mollic epipedon.
• It is a diagnostic surface horizon used in soil taxonomy to classify soils heavily modified by man.

Information Booster:
• Epipedons are diagnostic horizons that form at the soil surface.
• The most common epipedons include Mollic (dark, high base saturation), Umbric (dark, low base saturation), Melanic (volcanic ash origin), and Histic (organic).
• The term "Anthropic" comes from the Greek word "anthropos," meaning human.

Additional Knowledge:
• Plaggen epipedon (Option A): A human-made surface layer produced by long-term manuring and bedding materials; it is usually very thick (over 50 cm).
• Ochric epipedon (Option B): A surface horizon that is too light in color, too low in organic matter, or too thin to be any other epipedon; it is essentially a "default" category.
• Umbric epipedon (Option C): Similar to Mollic but has a low base saturation (less than 50%), usually developing in areas with higher rainfall where bases are leached.