A vegetation and support layer comprising a mixture of natural soil materials and wicks. The wicks are made of a water-conducting and air-conducting material in the form of an elongate intertwined structure such that the wicks distribute water and air within the vegetation and support layer. The wicks in the vegetation and support layer according to the invention are randomly mixed with the soil material, are arranged similar to a net, or are introduced from above. The wicks are arranged at a distance from a lower receptacle that is filled with water or from a groundwater conductor such that the wicks do not reach lower layers of water.