What kinds of plants consume nitrogen/ammonia in soil?

Question

I'm confining my dogs' potty area to one corner of the yard and I'd like to plant something hardy around the perimeter of the area. Everyone here seems to believe their urine is "acidic" but from what I understand, it's the ammonia content that provides too much nitrogen (causing what is basically a fertilizer burn in the grass, which is what turns grass yellow). So I'd like to know what plants, aside from chives (which repel animals and therefore wouldn't be a good border for the pups' potty), love a really nitrogen-rich environment.

Have heard of fescues being more dog-tolerant grass, but am looking for plants to put in a bed adjacent to the dog area.

Answer 1

You are correct it is not the acidity but the high nitrogen levels in urine that causes the damage. No plant will tolerate lot of urine undiluted. You will need to flush the soil in order to dilute the urine.
Research has shown that "of the four grasses tested, Festuca sp. var. Kentucky 31 (fescue) and Lolium perrene (perennial ryegrass) were the most resistant to urine effects. In fact, the urine routinely produced a fertilizer effect on these grasses at diluted concentrations." http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/turf/dog_lawn_problems.html

Dutch white clove is another plant tolerant of dog urine if it is diluted. This would do well alone or better mixed with grass seed. It doesn't discolor with urine applied occasionally.

If this border can be raised that might protect it from urine. Use potted plants if you have a near water supply. This will supply shade and visual interest without risking the over fertilizing. A wine barrel half with a twining vine to grow on the fence would be attractive.