AbstractBACKGROUNDIncreasing use of mineral fertilisers can lead to accumulation of fertilisers in soil, water and foodstuffs. One of the approaches to preventing these problems is to develop controlled release forms of fertilisers.RESULTSExperimental formulations of the nitrogen fertiliser urea loaded in a degradable matrix of the natural polymer poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) in the form of films, pellets and coated granules were constructed and investigated. Nitrogen release into soil occurred as the polymer was degraded, and it was dependent on the geometry of the carrier and the amount of nitrogen loaded in it, showing that nitrogen release can last for 30 days or longer and that release rates can be controlled by varying the fabrication technique employed. P3HB/urea formulations have a favourable effect on the soil microbial community. The use of embedded urea has a beneficial influence on the growth of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) and lettuce (Latuca sativa) and reduces removal of nitrogen with drain water.CONCLUSIONThe slow‐release nitrogen formulations developed in this study can be buried in soil together with seeds preventing nitrogen deficiency. The use of such slow‐release formulations can decrease the amounts of chemicals in the environment and prevent their adverse effects on the biosphere. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry