Starter fertilizer use in grain sorghum production has not been extensively researched. This study was conducted to evaluate starter fertilizers placed in the seed furrow, dribbled over the closed seed furrow, and broadcast after planting. Plant stand and yield was measured from plots planted over two years at nine locations in north central Oklahoma and the panhandle. Pre-plant soil test indicated deficient phosphorus (P) values at all locations. The sites spread across a large are also allowed for a wide range of soil pH; values ranged from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline for grain sorghum production. At only one location, OPREC dryland, was a significant stand impact documented, and this location had the lowest P values in the experiment. Four treatments had a significantly reduced stand, and two of the four treatments contained high rates of salt in furrow. Results from this experiment indicate that response to starter fertilizer was influenced by soil pH and nutrient levels. While a response to the starter commonly associated to the soil pH or P levels, this project showed that getting fertilizer on the field is as important as placement.