<p>This study uniquely evaluated the effects of multiple eco-compatible slow-release urea fertilizers on macronutrients concentration and content in rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) cv. Gohar focuses on reducing the urea application rate in paddy soils while maintaining or enhancing macronutrients uptake by the rice plant, thereby highlighting their potential as sustainable and locally feasible alternatives to conventional urea. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in a calcareous soil using a completely randomized design with three replications and 35 treatments included control, single or split applications of urea fertilizer at two rates (435 and 870 mg kg− 1), with or without rice straw, zeolite, hydrochar, and biochar, and five single applications of sulfur-coated urea, urea-hydroxyapatite nanohybrids, and urea-impregnated hydrochar, biochar, and zeolite. All slow-release fertilizers containing 435 mg kg− 1 urea significantly increased shoot and root nitrogen (N) concentrations compared to split-applied urea at 870 mg kg− 1, suggesting a 50% reduction in urea use and elimination of labor-intensive split applications. In these treatments, shoot phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) concentrations were decreased, and sodium (Na) concentration was increased compared to the control. At 870 mg urea kg− 1, shoot and root N contents in urea-hydroxyapatite nanohybrids were significantly greater than those in other treatments, except shoot N in urea-impregnated zeolite, with no significant difference. Co-applying urea with rice straw reduced shoot N, P, Ca, and Na contents compared with urea alone. Biochar and zeolite combined with urea at 870 mg kg− 1 increased shoot potassium (K) content under both application methods. Slow-release urea fertilizers, notably urea-hydroxyapatite nanohybrids, improved N uptake and lowered urea requirement of rice plant. Eco-compatible slow-release urea fertilizers improved macronutrients uptake in rice plant. Field studies are needed to confirm their long-term effects.</p>