Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer formed from nutrient granules having intermediate or precoat layers of organic oil, such as raw linseed oil, prior to application of a polymeric, encapsulating coat. The precoat may also contain a binding agent, such as a fine clay, and a drier. The new fertilizer composition is made by a process of applying the oil precoat, but not curing it until after the encapsulating coat is applied. The use of the precoat provides more desirable controlled (delayed) release characteristics at a lower weight of the encapsulating coat, particularly for nutrient cores having a relatively large number of surface imperfections or discontinuities.