Abstract: A composition for preserving fodder material,a) 5-41% by weight alkali and/or alkaline earth metal salts of benzoic acid, calculated as sodium salts in each case,b) 1-14% by weight alkali and/or alkaline earth metal salts of C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 carboxylic acids, calculated as sodium salts in each case,c) 10 to <59% by weight propionic acid, calculated as pure propionic acid, andd) >30-<80% by weight water,wherein the total amount of all the components a) to d) is 100% by weight, and the sum of b) and c) is less than 60% by weight, and wherein all % by weight are given with respect to the total amount of all the components a) to d), and a method of preparing the composition and its use for preserving fodder materials are described.