A herbicidal formulation comprising of incorporating the herbicide in a micelle or vesicle and adsorbing said micelle or vesicle containing herbicide on clay mineral. The formulation is suitable in particular for negatively charged herbicides at pH above 6. The herbicidal formulation provides slow release and reduced leaching of the herbicide to deep soil layers, thus reducing contamination of underground water and soil. Furthermore, the herbicide is maintained in the target vicinity, thus its efficiency is enhanced and a smaller concentration may be used.