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Paddocks in a stocking rate trial at Mt Sanford, in the Victoria River District of the Northern Territory, were examined for factors that influenced the development of piospheres (zones of attenuating stocking pressure radiating out from waters). Paddocks had the same number of stock per paddock and per water, but varied in size and % utilisation. There was considerable variation in the development of piosphere patterns between the six paddocks. Of all the paddock characteristics investigated, only mineral supplementation had an effect on piosphere development, with supplemented paddocks being far more likely to develop piosphere patterns. Interestingly, average paddock utilsation had no effect on piosphere development. The findings provide useful insight into optimal paddock design and grazing management options to increase uniformity of grazing.